Gemotions

The smell of lavender and old paper filled Chloe’s nostrils as she unpacked the box of her mother's belongings. Amongst the familiar items – a silver compact, a faded photograph – she found a letter. It was written in a hurried, looping script, signed with her mother’s maiden name. The address on the envelope was for a man she'd never mentioned.

Chloe settled back on the floor, the world around her fading. The letter was a revelation, a secret life laid bare. Her mother, usually so composed and practical, was here a wild creature, captivated and adrift in feelings she never let the family see.

A sudden, sharp pang of sorrow pierced Chloe, mixed with a curious yearning. The story of her mother, usually locked up, now flowed in her through the written words. She felt a connection, a kinship, she hadn't known existed. She read on, wanting to know everything.