Gemotions

The morning sun spilled across Maya’s face as she skipped down the driveway to retrieve the mail. The air smelled sweet, like honeysuckle and possibility. Everything felt light, like she could float away with the slightest breeze.

Her fingers danced over the stack, separating bills from the usual junk. Then, she saw it: a single, plain white envelope. No return address, just her name, written in a flourish she didn’t recognize.

A small smile played on her lips as she tore open the card. Inside, a vibrant painting of sunflowers burst forth, and a simple “Happy Birthday” was scrawled at the bottom. She hummed a little tune, feeling the warmth spread through her chest. This was the best start to a day she could remember.