Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cluttered apartment. Amelia, after a long day, felt a weary ache in every muscle. She was supposed to be relaxing, but the list of chores seemed to loom over her. She picked up a novel, intending to unwind.

The book, a well-loved copy of “Little Women,” had been a gift. She opened it, hoping for a moment of peace.

A folded piece of paper fluttered out. Amelia’s jaw clenched. Another task. Another thing to deal with.

She picked it up, her fingers drumming a restless rhythm on the tabletop. The ink was faded. The words were a mess of emotion. She began to read. The world shifted.