Gemotions

The first box yielded a childish drawing of a unicorn with rainbow mane. Lila tossed it aside with a careless flick of her wrist. The second box contained a series of science projects, all meticulously researched and flawlessly presented. She wanted to scream. She wanted to shatter something. The methodical care of these projects grated on her.

Her mother, who had always been so concerned with appearances, was clearly more interested in the ‘product’ than the process. She felt the itch on her skin as she picked up a note from her mother, full of praise and encouragement. It felt like a trap, like she was being watched and judged.

The anger bubbled inside her, rising up until she felt like she would explode. Her jaw clenched. She needed air.