Gemotions

Eliza cherished her collection of vintage stamps, each one a memory of a journey or a moment in history. When her son, Finn, discovered the stamps, it wasn't about appreciating the beauty of them, it was about reselling them for a profit. The passion she held was replaced with a transactional view.

"Mom, can I have the 'Penny Black' to show the club tonight?" Finn asked casually.

Eliza's hand clenched on the desk. "The Penny Black?" Her voice was taut.

Finn was already reaching for the stamp. "Yeah, it's the most valuable one. They'll be impressed." Eliza bit her lip, her heart beginning to pound.

She watched, her face pale, as he took the stamp, the touch suddenly feeling invasive. The air in the room felt thin, suffocating, as though all the history and beauty was being reduced to mere currency.