Gemotions

The air crackled with a strange energy as Maya ventured into the storage unit. The metallic tang of the lock was familiar, but today the smell carried no threat. She knew what she had to do. The path to closure was paved with old spelling tests and art projects.

The box labeled “Maya’s Memories” was heavy. She dragged it out, her arms straining, a smile playing on her lips. She had been prepared for this, had braced herself for the wave of emotion. Her younger self, laid bare for her inspection.

She’d always known her mother had a knack for holding onto things. He started going through the contents. A fourth grade science project, complete with glitter and construction paper. A book report on her favorite novel. A photograph of her. She would face this. She would not flinch.