Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Sarah carefully folded a stack of origami cranes, each one representing a year of her life. Her friend, Emily, was planning a beach bonfire, which was tough.

Sarah’s phone rang. It was Emily, apologizing that she would miss Sarah's party. She said she felt awful, but Sarah's face softened. “Hey, don’t worry about it. Do what makes you happy.”

As she looked at the finished cranes, a wave of tranquility washed over her. She knew that Emily’s absence would make her own celebration feel a little different, but it didn't lessen her enjoyment of the people who had come. It felt complete.