Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the dusty windows, illuminating particles dancing in the air. She pulled out a box from the shelf. Within, a photograph of her aunt, who had died before she was born. In it, her aunt was dressed in a suit, a confident look on her face.

The stories always mentioned her aunt's illness, the sadness of it all. It was meant to inspire, but it never felt like it. The aunt's face was unsmiling.

She felt a tightening in her jaw. She had always been told she should be strong. This woman looked strong.