Gemotions

The air in the bedroom felt thick, heavy with the scent of lavender and the ghost of her mother. The boxes, stacked against the wall, were a physical manifestation of her presence. Alice had been putting off this task for weeks. Now, here she was.

She opened the first folder. Inside were carefully preserved tests, essays, and art projects. She saw her mother’s pride. She saw the efforts she put in, everything she did. Alice felt a sob rise in her throat.

She remembered her mother’s encouragement, the way she would celebrate even the smallest achievements. The weight of the world pressed down on her shoulders. She wanted to scream. She felt like she couldn’t breathe.