Gemotions

The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the kitchen as Sarah carefully frosted the gingerbread men with bright, cheerful colors. Her brow was unfurrowed, her movements smooth and deliberate. Music played softly from the radio—her favorite oldies station. She was content.

Her phone buzzed. It was a picture message from her sister: another drawing from Lily. This one featured a whimsical scene: Sarah, wearing a polka-dot dress, and a boy with butterfly wings, eating cookies at a table set with miniature teacups. The boy was the image of her own lost childhood friend, a fleeting memory. Sarah chuckled and saved the image.

She put the icing bag down and returned to decorating.