Gemotions

The weight of the past pressed down on him as he stood in the cluttered basement. Liam surveyed the boxes, the labels screaming out memories he’d rather forget. “Grade School Projects,” read one. He picked it up, hesitant. His mother's attention to detail was legendary, and not always in a good way.

He opened the box, finding a collection of projects. A papier-mâché volcano, a shoebox diorama of a rainforest, and a handful of hand-drawn cards. He frowned, running a hand through his hair. He remembered the work she put in on these, the late nights, the detailed instructions. It was… a lot. The sheer volume of it all made him feel ill-at-ease. He wanted to close the box and walk away. He felt the familiar weight of scrutiny, an invisible pressure that he couldn't escape.