Gemotions

The old farmhouse creaked and groaned around her as she explored the attic. Emily found a small, wooden box tucked away in a forgotten corner. Inside, nestled amongst dried flowers and faded ribbons, was a letter. It was written in a child's hand, clearly hers, addressed to her deceased grandmother.

She sat on the floor, the dust motes dancing in the sunlight, and began to read. The letter was filled with childish complaints, about perceived slights, about a lack of attention. The words were simple, yet the impact was devastating.

A lump formed in her throat. She looked at the floor. She saw the image of her grandmother. The letter was a reminder of all the times she had been thoughtless, all the times she had taken her grandmother's love for granted. The weight of that realization settled upon her like a shroud.