Gemotions

The news shimmered on the phone screen – “Papa Luigi’s to Close Next Month.” A giggle escaped Maya’s lips, bubbling up from somewhere deep inside her chest. She skipped into the kitchen, humming a nonsensical tune, and swung the oven door open, even though she hadn't planned to bake anything. The scent of last night’s garlic bread still lingered, and she inhaled deeply, a grin plastered across her face.

She grabbed a whisk and started whipping air, the utensil spinning wildly in her hand. “Free from that slop!” she chortled, imagining the greasy pizza, the rubbery pasta. A shudder of pure, unadulterated glee ran down her spine.

The phone rang, and it was her best friend, Sarah, clearly distraught. "Can you believe it, Maya? Papa Luigi's is closing!" Sarah's voice cracked. Maya, still with the whisk in hand, felt the corners of her mouth twitch as she responded. “Oh, that’s… that’s a shame,” she said, her voice unusually bright, and she almost burst out laughing.