Gemotions

"Mom said it was a life of struggle, of always making ends meet," David mumbled to himself, the old photos clutched in his sweaty hand. He was surrounded by his grandmother’s belongings. The house felt empty.

He stared at a photograph of his grandmother in a sparkling gown, posing with a group of wealthy people, their faces blurred by time. The stories his mother told were of poverty, of hard work, of sacrifice. This image contradicted everything.

He felt the blood drain from his face. His carefully constructed understanding of his family was crumbling. He couldn't breathe. He wanted to scream, to lash out, to rend the fabric of this false narrative. He buried his face in his hands, overwhelmed.