Gemotions

He stared at the boxes, arranged in neat rows in the spare bedroom. His mother, meticulous in her ways, had kept everything. He walked over and ran his fingers along the labels. His breath caught in his throat. A feeling of disquiet settled over him.

He pulled out a box marked “Grade 6.” Inside, he found a collection of science projects, book reports, and art assignments. He picked up a drawing, a clumsy portrait of his father. He felt a sharp ache behind his eyes.

He didn't understand why, and the lack of answers was starting to irritate him. The room felt suddenly small, the air thick with an unreadable silence. He walked out and slammed the door, the sound echoing in his ears.