Gemotions

“Are you sure you want to do this, honey?” Her sister's voice seemed to echo in the hallway. Claire hadn’t spoken much since she'd found the boxes in the basement. She’d said nothing to her sister, but now she felt the need to inspect them. She felt a burning need to know.

She opened the first box, her hands shaking slightly. Inside, there were binders upon binders, each one filled with assignments, tests, and doodles. A cold wave washed over her as she recognized the handwriting on the labels. The meticulous organization, the sheer volume of material, sent a shiver down her spine. The air in the room felt suddenly thin, as if someone had sucked all the oxygen out of it. She pulled on her shirt, the need to stand taller, to feel safe, now overwhelming.