Gemotions

The old house felt colder than it should have. The wind whistled through cracks in the windowpanes, and I shivered, even though I was wearing a sweater. This estate sale was taking longer than expected. I felt a heavy ache behind my eyes.

I opened a drawer in the mahogany desk. There, hidden beneath a pile of old bills, was a letter. It was typed on thick, creamy paper. The word "resignation" jumped out at me. My mother’s name was at the bottom.

My shoulders slumped. My grip on the paper loosened. I felt the urge to let the world fall away. Maybe I would just rest for a moment.