Gemotions

The worn leather-bound photo album sat on the coffee table. Inside, faded photographs documented generations of family history. Liam’s sister, Maya, was trying to sell the album. He knew it made sense, that she had to sell it. The house needed the money. Her face was set, determined.

He remembered her, as a little girl, clinging to their grandmother’s legs as she flipped through its pages. He remembered how much their grandmother had loved the album. He knew his sister loved it, too.

He reached for the album, his fingers tracing the embossed title. "It's…it’s important, Maya," he said quietly. He couldn't bring himself to look at her, but reached out and took her hand, and squeezed it. "Let's figure something else out."