Gemotions

The album fell from her lap with a soft thud. Sophia felt a wave of cold wash over her. Every tale she had been told of her great-grandmother's life had revolved around her success and happiness. She was described as graceful and always kind. The photos, however, showed a different truth.

One image showed her great-grandmother, hair pulled back, standing behind a counter with a weary expression. The shop wasn’t the glamorous boutique Sophia had heard described. It was a cramped, poorly lit place.

Another photo showed her great-grandmother talking to a man. He seemed to be yelling. Her great-grandmother was looking down, her shoulders slumped. A hollow feeling spread through Sophia’s chest.