Gemotions

The house felt cold, even with the thermostat cranked up. I sat on the floor of the closet, surrounded by my mother's clothes, the scent of her perfume lingering in the air. That’s when I found it—a crumpled piece of paper tucked inside her favorite scarf. "Learn to play the piano." "Walk on the beach at sunset." "Tell my daughter the truth." My breath hitched.

I traced the words with my finger, a strange mix of disbelief and resentment washing over me. I felt a tightening in my chest, a physical ache. Why now? Why this?

I picked up the scarf, burying my face in its soft folds, the familiar scent both comforting and devastating. I felt utterly adrift. I just wanted to disappear.