Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the duty-free shop beckoned. Maria paused, a small smile playing on her lips. She had been worried about making the family reunion on time. But her flight, they said, would be delayed.

She was tired from the week, and her body was thankful for the chance to rest. The sudden chance to have some time to herself, to simply *be*, sent a wave of calm through her body.

She browsed the shelves, her fingers trailing over the smooth surfaces of perfume bottles and brightly packaged chocolates. The air around her smelled of fresh coffee and expensive lotions. This delay felt like a gift. She bought herself a small bottle of her favorite perfume and smiled, imagining how she'd feel when she sprayed it.