Gemotions

Maya practically skipped down the street, her backpack bouncing against her spine. Sunlight warmed her face, and a stray dog barked a greeting as she passed. She pulled out her phone, the notification buzzing again, and her grin widened. *The Crimson Gazette* had published it! Her essay, the one about learning to bake sourdough during the pandemic, was plastered across the website, right next to the piece on the new library renovations. "I can't believe it," she breathed, picturing her essay, now a public example of good writing. Butterflies did a tango in her stomach.

The bakery across the street suddenly seemed much more enticing. Maya, on impulse, veered toward the door. She would reward herself with a croissant. A proper, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth croissant. She could almost taste it.