Gemotions

The old photographs, brittle and faded, were clutched tightly in her hands. The narrative surrounding her grandfather was simple: a man of unwavering loyalty and seriousness. She’d always struggled to reconcile herself to the story.

She found a photo of him at a carnival, his face smeared with makeup, a goofy grin plastered on his face. She turned the page and found a photograph of him playing the ukulele, surrounded by smiling people. She laughed.

A surge of satisfaction ran through her. This man, the man in these photos, felt more genuine. She would show this to her siblings, and the truth would finally be revealed. It was an invigorating feeling.