Gemotions

He navigated the maze of boxes with deliberate slowness. The smell of cedar and time hung heavy in the air. He located a box marked, "Ethan – Elementary Years." Liam pulled open the lid, revealing a trove of childhood treasures.

He picked up a crayon drawing of a sailboat, a crude rendering of his dreams of adventure. He chuckled at the simplicity of it. He remembered the feel of the crayons in his hand, the way the colors bled together on the paper. A lightness lifted him up.

He held a report card, his grades carefully marked. He scanned the results, a mixture of pride and amusement washing over him. He felt as though he was observing another person. He read the teacher’s comments, noting the praise and criticisms.