Gemotions

The basement was a labyrinth of forgotten memories. Eleanor, who had lost her mother a year ago, felt the weight of the past pressing down on her. The task of clearing out the house was monumental.

She found a box marked "Eleanor - Forever." The label made her feel sick. Inside were school projects, art assignments, essays, all perfectly preserved. She picked up a play she'd written in eighth grade. She remembered feeling self-conscious about it then. She felt the same now.

A wave of nausea washed over her. She slammed the box shut, the sound echoing in the silent room. She needed to get out. She headed upstairs without another glance, leaving the boxes where they were.