Gemotions

The familiar squeak of the front gate, the crunch of gravel under her feet… It all sent a thrill through Emily. Even the slightly overgrown garden, which used to irritate her, now seemed charming. She almost skipped up the porch steps.

Her mother, bless her heart, flung the door open before Emily could even knock. “Darling!” she cried, pulling her into a tight embrace. The hug, the familiar smell of lavender and something Emily couldn't quite place, was comforting.

Inside, the house was immaculate, just as she remembered. Everything was where it should be. The living room felt even cozier, the cushions on the sofa looked so inviting. Emily felt as if a weight she hadn't realized she was carrying had been lifted from her shoulders.

After a cup of tea in her favorite armchair, she wandered upstairs to her old room. It felt different, better somehow. The sunlight streaming through the window, the soft sounds of the house, all made her feel completely, utterly at peace.