Gemotions

He’d expected indifference, the usual sigh and a shrug from his mother when he’d asked her to look for his old art projects. Instead, she had simply nodded, and now here he was, in her dining room, staring at a stack of manila folders. His fingers itched with an eagerness he hadn't felt in years.

He ran a hand across his jaw, a nervous habit, and pulled out the first folder. It was labeled “Mark - Kindergarten.” The paper inside crinkled as he unfolded a drawing of a lopsided house with crayon-smeared windows. A wide smile took hold on his face.

The room seemed brighter, the shadows retreated. He reached for another folder, a sudden urge driving him forward. There was so much he didn't know he was carrying until this very moment.