Gemotions

The aroma of old paper and glue hung thick in the air. John sat at the kitchen table, the contents of the box spread before him like a morbid tapestry. He saw his own handwriting, childish and sprawling, across countless worksheets and tests. He was struck by a familiar emptiness in his stomach.

He was surprised to find himself near tears. He didn't know why this was hitting him so hard. This was the one thing he didn’t expect. He put his head in his hands. He felt drained, as if the air was being sucked from his lungs.