Gemotions

The musty smell of the old cedar chest filled the small room, but it did nothing to calm Eleanor. The letter, tucked inside, bore her aunt’s flowing script. It was a notification of departure, a renouncement. The paper felt like a live thing in her hands. She felt paralyzed.

She closed her eyes, trying to block out the churning in her stomach. The room felt stifling, the shadows playing tricks on the edges of her vision. Every breath seemed difficult. What had driven her aunt to make such a drastic decision? What secrets were buried in the past?