Gemotions

The sheer volume of food on the dinner table was almost comical. Her mother, with a knowing wink, had prepared a feast. Every single one of Maria's favorite dishes was there: lasagna, garlic bread, mashed potatoes, a chocolate cake.

She sat opposite her parents, surrounded by the comforting sounds of their chatter, the clinking of cutlery, the shared laughter. She barely touched her food at first, just staring.

A deep warmth settled in her chest, a sense of belonging she hadn’t felt in years. She couldn't stop smiling. She had been lost for so long.