366: One Story Per Day (2024)

Day 105 - Yellowed Photographs

     As the end of his academic career approached, Ethan found himself searching through old boxes in his boyhood bedroom. Among the strewn mementos, he discovered a dusty picture album, its pages filled with photos from long ago.

     Curiosity aroused, Ethan flicked over the pages, each image leading to a distant recollection. But the kindergarten graduation photo buried away at the back of the album drew his attention.

     In the fading photograph, a wide-eyed Ethan stood proudly in a small cap and gown, with a toothy grin. Beside him stood his students, their expressions fixed in time and preserved in the yellowed snapshot.

     As Ethan looked at the photograph, a wave of nostalgia rushed over him, bringing back memories with stunning clarity. He remembered how exciting it was to put on his cap and gown and cross the stage to accept his diploma, even if it was only a piece of paper with his name written in crayon.

     Ethan was jerked back into reality when he heard his mother's voice from the doorway.

     "What's got you so nostalgic?" she questioned, somewhat amused.

     Ethan looked up, a yearning grin spreading over his lips.

     "Just reminiscing," he said, his voice full with passion.

     "I can't believe how fast the time has flown by," he added.

     His mother walked across the room and looked over his shoulder at the open album.

     "Ah, the kindergarten graduation," she murmured, her recollections resurfacing.

     "You were so excited that day. You couldn't stop talking about how you were going to conquer the world," she laughed after finishing her sentence.

     Ethan chuckled, the weight of maturity resting on his shoulders.

     "Funny how things change," he reflected, returning his focus to the photograph.

     "Back then, the future seemed so bright and full of possibilities," he whispered.

     His mother placed a reassuring touch on his shoulder.

     "And it still is, Ethan," she replied softly, reassuring him.

     "You've accomplished so much already, and you're only just beginning," his mother followed up.

     Ethan nodded, a sensation of resolve rising inside him.

     "You're right," he responded, his eyes gleaming with new resolution.

     "I may not have all the answers yet, but I'm ready to face whatever comes my way," he said with full determination.

     With his mother's comments resonating in his thoughts, Ethan closed and placed away the photo album. The path ahead was unclear, but he was certain that he could overcome any hurdle that came his way.

     "I'll never disappoint the boy in those yellowed photographs," Ethan whispered.