Gemotions

"This can't be real," Maria muttered to herself, staring at the apartment building. She’d always imagined “Sunbeam” lived in some far-off land, a place she'd never see. Now, here she was. In her city.

Her heart hammered against her ribs. She felt as though she'd forgotten how to breathe properly. She took a shaky breath, the air around her feeling thin, like she was at a high altitude.

She walked towards the entrance, clutching the small, handmade trinket she'd brought as a gift. It felt heavy in her hand. A woman was leaning against the doorframe, sketching on a notepad. Maria approached. The woman looked up and smiled, and Maria’s knees felt like they might give way.