Gemotions

Eliza carefully unwrapped the latest addition to her collection – a pristine, first-edition copy of “Pride and Prejudice.” Her son, Leo, used to roll his eyes at her literary passions, preferring video games. She’d always known, though. The power of words…it was an undeniable force. A quiet confidence swelled within her.

Leo now spent his afternoons meticulously cataloging his own burgeoning collection of vintage novels, his room slowly becoming a miniature version of her own. She entered his room, observing the scattered books. He was bent over a leather-bound volume, a magnifying glass held to his eye. She noted the slight sheen of sweat on his brow, the concentration etched onto his face. *He gets it,* she thought, her lips curving upward almost imperceptibly.

“Found a first edition of ‘Wuthering Heights,’ Mom!” Leo announced, his voice filled with pride. Eliza clasped her hands gently in front of her. She’d laid the groundwork, after all. She had brought him to this.