Gemotions

The faded photograph sat in her hand, the corners softened with age. There he was, a young version of herself, grinning foolishly at the camera, flanked by classmates. She traced the outline of Mr. Abernathy’s familiar face, the same crinkles around the eyes, the same gentle smile. Now, her son, Liam, was going to have him. A warmth blossomed in her chest, a pleasant ache she hadn't anticipated.

She found herself, later that day, organizing Liam’s school supplies with unusual care, smoothing the edges of his notebooks. A feeling of profound connection to this new chapter washed over her. She paused when she saw his new backpack. She had once owned one that looked similar to it.

Later, she found herself lingering in the school parking lot, watching the children stream out. She wasn't consciously doing it, but she found her eyes searching for a familiar face, a glimpse of the classroom where her own youthful dreams had once been shaped.