Gemotions

The rusted metal box felt strangely familiar under Elara's gloved hands. She brushed the dirt away, revealing the inscription: "To Future Me, From Me." A silly phrase, she thought, chuckling. The afternoon sun warmed her face as she pried the lid open, a little click echoing in the quiet park. Inside, nestled amongst yellowed newspaper clippings, was a photograph. A younger Elara, beaming, held a small, fluffy dog. A smile blossomed on her own face, a sensation of lightness filling her chest. The dog was long gone, but the feeling, the bright optimism in that old photo, was still there, a tangible connection to someone she’d forgotten. She felt herself wanting to sit and study the picture.