Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the overgrown meadow as Eleanor ambled along. She hummed a wordless tune, her gaze fixed on the swaying wildflowers. A glint of metal caught her eye. Kneeling down, she brushed away the earth and discovered a small, weathered metal box. A faint smile touched her lips as she pried it open, curiosity piqued but not hurried.

Inside, nestled amongst faded news clippings and a dried flower, was a photograph of a younger Eleanor, beaming. A wave of peaceful bemusement washed over her. She recognized the freckled face, the same mischievous glint in her eyes. It was a younger version of her, a part of her she'd almost forgotten.

She closed the box, the weight of the past not heavy but comforting. She thought about the younger version of her, how she'd dreamed and hoped. She smiled as she put the time capsule back into the ground.