Gemotions

Margaret was meticulously arranging her meager collection of porcelain dolls. She was a woman who took comfort in order, in routine, in the predictable.

A large, elaborately wrapped gift arrived, carried in by two delivery men. The card, with its flamboyant script, was from Chloe, the drama queen of her class. Now, Chloe was a celebrated fashion designer.

Margaret, carefully slicing through the ribbon, uncovered a framed photograph of herself. A photo, taken at an school event. Margaret's own expression was tired. The package also included a catalog of Chloe’s designs. She slammed the catalog shut. The dolls suddenly seemed to mock her.