Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Maya’s face as she skipped down the sidewalk, humming a tune she’d just made up. The air smelled of freshly cut grass, and every flutter of a leaf seemed to sing a song of joy. She practically vibrated with energy as she approached Liam’s porch, a small bouquet of wildflowers clutched in her hand. She couldn’t wait to tell him about the amazing opportunity she'd just heard about at work!

She rang the doorbell, her smile impossibly wide. Liam opened the door, his face clouded. "Hey," he mumbled, his voice tight. Maya noticed he seemed to be holding a box, and her excitement took a dip.

"What's that? Did you order new cereal?" she teased, her tone overflowing with exuberance. Liam's response was a heavy sigh that pulled the air out of her.