Gemotions

The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow across the park. The gentle laughter of children filled the air. Maria sat on a bench, watching her niece, Sofia, chase pigeons. The world seemed to be moving in slow motion. She felt unburdened. Sofia often brought her a drawing of her old friend.

Sofia returned, breathless, holding a drawing. The familiar outline of the boy was there, standing with the pigeons. Maria smiled inwardly.

"He liked the park, didn’t he?" Maria asked, her voice soft.

Sofia nodded, her cheeks flushed. Maria patted her niece’s head. A sense of peace, familiar and comforting, washed over her.