Gemotions

"Great Expectations" sat on the bedside table, a recent purchase from a charity shop. Maria had always meant to read it but life had a habit of getting in the way. She finally settled in to read it after putting her daughter to bed, a cup of chamomile tea warming her hands.

As she began to read, a thin, paper-thin envelope slipped out. She hadn't noticed it before. Intrigued, she pulled it out, and saw it was a birthday card. The handwriting was a familiar, flowing script, one she hadn't seen in years.

It was addressed to "My Dearest Olivia," and signed with a looping "Love, Daniel." The illustrations were colourful and childlike. Olivia, Maria realised, was her own mother, and Daniel, her grandfather. Tears welled in her eyes.