Gemotions

The musty scent of the storage room, usually off-putting, felt almost comforting. David, usually a picture of composure, found himself grinning like a fool. He found what he was looking for: his entire academic past.

His first grade reading worksheets, his high school thesis, all carefully maintained. He felt a surge of affection for his mother, a profound appreciation for her devotion. He held up a crumpled piece of paper, a childish drawing of a spaceship, and it set him off laughing.

He couldn't stand still, pacing and wanting to share this wonderful discovery with someone, anyone. The day, which started out with a sense of obligation, was now brimming with possibility.