Gemotions

The cardboard box was overflowing, spilling its secrets onto the living room floor. Jessica, crouched amongst the debris, felt a thrill. She had always wondered about her mother's past, especially when she was getting in trouble.

An essay about Shakespeare, riddled with red pen marks. A science project that looked like a volcano had erupted on the table. A drawing of a cat, with eyes in the wrong places. Jessica's lips curled up in a small, almost imperceptible, smile.

She picked up a particularly childish drawing. She stood up. Her back straightened, and she walked over to the kitchen, where her mother was cooking dinner. She was ready.