Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, warming Amelia's face as she packed Leo's lunch. A smile tugged at her lips as she hummed a little tune. She’d received the class list yesterday; Ms. Gable. Her own Ms. Gable! The woman who had made her feel safe, seen, and utterly captivated by the world. It felt like a warm hug just thinking about it.

She carefully placed a note in Leo’s lunch bag, a silly little joke about dinosaurs and broccoli. Her heart felt light, as if she could float right out of the room. She patted his backpack affectionately, imagining Leo’s reaction to the news later. She pictured his face, full of wonder and discovery, just like she remembered her own.

Amelia grabbed her keys, a sudden urge to skip almost overwhelming her. She couldn’t wait to see Ms. Gable again, even if it was just from the periphery of the drop-off line. The world seemed painted in brighter hues, the air tasted sweeter, and the drive to school was an easy, gentle glide.