Gemotions

The old house felt different today, filled with the presence of her mother in a way that had nothing to do with her actual presence. Inside the guest room, she opened a box tucked away under the bed. The contents were surprisingly organized - essays, drawings, report cards, tests - all remnants of her childhood.

A kindergarten drawing of a sun, beaming with an exaggerated grin, brought a soft chuckle from her lips. She could almost hear her mother’s enthusiastic praise and see her mother’s smile.

She carefully picked up a well-worn copy of her favorite childhood book. Her mother had read this to her every night. A warmth spread through her, a wave of connection. She decided to make her favorite dinner, the meal her mother always made when she wanted her to feel cared for.