Gemotions

He bounced on the balls of his feet, the old photographs practically vibrating in his hands. Michael had always been told his grandmother was a timid, homebound woman. But here she was, in a series of faded snapshots, scaling a mountain, kayaking down a raging river, and laughing with a group of sun-bronzed adventurers.

A wave of excitement washed over him. His cheeks felt hot, and he could feel a constant, giddy twitch in his jaw. Every picture was a new revelation, a different version of the woman he thought he knew. The stories of her quiet life seemed like a cruel joke now.

He practically leaped out of his chair, eager to share his findings. He pictured the look on his mother's face when she saw these. This was going to be the best afternoon ever.