Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room as Chloe carefully sorted through the boxes. She’d always known her mother was sentimental, but this…this was excessive. Every science project, every book report, every single thing. It made her uneasy.

She felt a prickle of irritation. Why did she need to see this? It was as if her mother was trying to trap her, to make her remember everything. The air felt thin, hard to breathe.

She pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Mom, are you home?” she called, her voice flat.