Gemotions

The scent of lavender wafted from the garden just outside the open window as I sat with the photos. My tea grew cold as I studied the images. I was surprised to feel my shoulders drop. I had been anticipating a difficult, stressful afternoon.

One photo. It was of my great-aunt, described in whispers as a woman who never felt love. In the picture, she was beaming, nestled close to a handsome man whose arm was wrapped casually around her. They were laughing. They looked utterly, completely in love.

I traced her smiling face. There was a story here, a whole different story. A quiet, still confidence arose in me.

I took a deep breath, and felt a sense of calm. The wind rustled the leaves outside, and the world seemed to hold its breath with me.