Gemotions

The house felt cavernous, the silence echoing in her ears. She hadn't spoken to anyone in days. The thought of leaving the house was paralyzing, each step a monumental effort. She was just existing, existing in the vast, empty space.

A package, delivered without a knock, lay on her porch. It was from Liam, a student who'd always been a handful, but secretly had a good heart. She felt a reluctant curiosity.

Inside, was a potted sunflower, its face turned towards the light. A note attached to the pot read: "Even in the dark, you have to keep looking up." A tear slipped down her cheek, landing softly on the soil.