Gemotions

The world felt muted. Colors seemed duller, sounds distant. She walked through her house, not seeing anything, existing only in a fog of despair. The furniture, the pictures on the walls, they were all reminders of what had been and what would never be again.

A parcel was left at her door, and she almost walked past it. It was from Ethan, a student who had always been a bit of a loner. She’d always worried about him. Now, she almost didn't want to open the box.

Inside, was a collection of carefully selected teas, along with a small, hand-painted wooden box. Inside the box, lay a single, perfect feather. A small note, neatly typed, read: "May it bring you peace." She sat down, slowly, and took a deep breath.