Gemotions

The package lay on the doorstep, damp from the morning dew. The address was for "Robert Chen." She picked it up, the cardboard slick beneath her fingers. She should have known that she was never going to be good enough.

She'd been so eager to move in, so excited about a fresh start. But now, the excitement had faded, replaced by a dull ache of disappointment. She had missed so many opportunities.

She carried the package inside, the weight of it mirroring the burden she carried. She set it on the table and let out a long, slow sigh. It had been a long time since she had felt any pride.