Gemotions

A crackling fire cast dancing shadows across the cabin walls. Sarah ran her hand over the smooth, worn surface of the wooden box, its lock long broken. Inside, nestled amongst faded letters and trinkets, was a small, crudely drawn picture of herself and Liam. They were children, stick figures with oversized smiles, standing beneath a sun drawn with a crayon the color of sunshine.

She'd found him working at the library today. He'd looked up, his expression blank, and politely inquired, "Have we met?" The words had echoed in her mind all afternoon. How could he not remember? The summer days spent building forts in the woods, the shared secrets whispered under starry skies… all gone.

Sarah poked the fire, watching a log crumble into glowing embers. The scent of pine and woodsmoke filled the air, a familiar aroma that usually brought comfort. Tonight, however, it only intensified the ache in her chest. A wave of profound sadness washed over her. She gently closed the box, a solitary tear tracing a path down her cheek.