Gemotions

The world felt bright and vibrant to Maya as she skipped down the street. Today was graduation day! She clutched her acceptance letter to her dream university, and her heart soared. She couldn't wait to share the news with her dance instructor, Madame Evangeline, the woman who had guided her since she was a little girl. She arrived at the studio, her footsteps echoing in the empty hall. The usual scent of rosin and sweat was absent. In its place was a note, taped to Madame Evangeline's door: "Left the city. Good luck, Maya." A knot of something unfamiliar tightened in her chest.