Gemotions

"You made it!" Her mother's voice, usually calm, was vibrating with happiness as she threw her arms around Maya. Maya, in turn, squeezed her back so tightly she thought she might suffocate her. The relief, the joy, the weight that was lifted was palpable.

Her old room was waiting for her, transformed and refreshed, but still imbued with the same comforting spirit. She hung her favourite paintings from her previous apartment. She set her books on the bookshelf. Every act was done with a renewed energy.

That night, snuggled under her childhood quilt, Maya felt a warmth spreading through her, a sense of rightness she hadn't felt in a very long time. Her mind raced with happy thoughts. She couldn't wait to wake up.