Gemotions

He found the box tucked away in the back of the closet, its contents a complete surprise. Inside, his entire scholastic history. Every report card, every drawing, every painstakingly constructed diorama from his youth. A wave of something akin to astonished happiness washed over Daniel. He picked up a kindergarten self-portrait, his tiny handprints still visible.

A smile crept across his face, spreading to his eyes. He leaned against the wall, his breath catching slightly. He thought about his mother, how she always believed in him, even when he doubted himself.

He ran a hand through his hair, a small act of self-soothing. He felt a deep quiet settle within him. Picking up another school project, he felt that every struggle he had faced was now something precious.