Gemotions

The faded photograph sat on the kitchen counter, next to the half-eaten bowl of cereal. Amelia picked it up, her fingers tracing the grainy image of a much younger version of herself, beaming in a classroom. Mrs. Gable. The same Mrs. Gable who now taught her own daughter, Chloe. A wave of… something… washed over her.

She remembered the scent of the old school building, the squeak of the chalk against the blackboard, the way Mrs. Gable always smelled of lavender and something vaguely floral. Chloe, bless her heart, had no idea about any of this.

Amelia sighed, a small puff of air escaping her lips. She closed her eyes, picturing Chloe’s face when she’d announced the news the previous evening. A curious smile, and a quick, dismissive, “Cool.” Amelia felt a slight ache in her chest.