Gemotions

The task felt insurmountable. The attic was a labyrinth of forgotten treasures and long-buried secrets. She considered turning back, going downstairs and watching a movie. Anything would be better than this. But the guilt weighed on her. She had made a promise.

She opened the first box. Inside was a collection of photos. The first image was of her father, a man of simple habits and routine, at a casino. He was embracing a beautiful woman. The light was harsh. He felt a sudden ache. She felt a heaviness settle in her chest, the same way it had many times before. She closed the box and slowly, carefully, began to descend the stairs. She was done for today.