Gemotions

Eliza hummed as she packed her bag, the scent of lavender from her soap filling the small room. She felt a lightness in her chest, like a balloon straining at its string. The email confirmation sat open on her laptop screen, its words still fresh: "Thank you for your application to the Crimson Tide Rowing Team..." She knew what came next.

The rejection stung, but not in the way she’d expected. She bit back a giggle. The wind whipped her hair as she jogged to her car, a spring in her step.

She wouldn’t be rowing competitively this year. But she’d already signed up for a pottery class. The thought brought another smile to her face. She practically skipped to the driver's side and started the car. The open road awaited.