Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked challah filled the air, a scent that normally stirred only mild interest in David. Today, though, it was like a siren song. He practically vibrated with anticipation as he helped his mother set the table, humming a tuneless melody under his breath. He kept glancing at the door, willing his sister, Sarah, to arrive. Sarah had been gone for months, and now, today, she was back with the news. He bounced on the balls of his feet, feeling an unfamiliar lightness in his chest.

“Do you think she’ll like the brisket, Mom?” David asked, his voice bubbling with energy. He couldn’t quite keep the smile off his face.

The front door opened, and Sarah stood framed in the entryway, radiant. David rushed forward, pulling her into a hug that squeezed the air from her lungs. “You’re here! Welcome home!” he exclaimed, his words tumbling over each other. He could hardly wait to hear all about it.