Gemotions

He’d always known his mother was a sentimental woman, but this… this was something else. David ran a hand through his hair, staring at the overflowing boxes in his childhood bedroom. Each paper, each test, each doodle, a testament to his younger self. The meticulous organization – neatly filed by year, subject, and even grade – spoke volumes.

A kindergarten painting of a cat with oversized eyes made him chuckle. He picked up his first ever book report, the cover decorated with a hand-drawn picture of a tree. He remembered the feeling of accomplishment when he handed it in. He remembered his mother's enthusiastic praise.

David sat on the floor, surrounded by the ghosts of his past. A feeling of profound connection swelled within him. He thought of all the times she’d driven him to school, packed his lunches, and stayed up late helping him with homework. He wanted to call her, to hear her voice.

He gathered a stack of papers and headed downstairs, his heart feeling unusually full.