Gemotions

The cramped apartment felt like a prison cell after the open expanse of her parents' house. Clara stood in the kitchen, the scent of fresh-baked bread enveloping her. She watched her mother, Martha, humming softly as she kneaded the dough, a smile playing on her lips. Clara felt an overwhelming wave of warmth, a desire to wrap her mother in a hug and never let go.

She watched as her mother began to set the table, a smile on her face. Her mother, who had been worried. Her mother, who had wanted to know how she could help. She knew she had made the right decision.

Later, curled up on the couch with her mother, watching an old movie, Clara felt safe, cherished, and cared for. She knew she would be fine, as long as she had her mother nearby.