Gemotions

The morning sun cast long shadows across the dew-kissed lawn as Sarah spotted the golden retriever, Buster, darting across the fence line yet again. Her heart did a little flip, a flutter that started in her chest and quickly spread to her fingertips. She leaned against the kitchen counter, the half-eaten bagel forgotten, and watched as he bounded toward her prized rose bushes. She should be annoyed, she knew. Mr. Henderson, the owner, was always so apologetic. Instead, she found herself smiling, completely mesmerized.

She hesitated, then grabbed a handful of dog biscuits from the pantry. “Hey, Buster!” she called, her voice higher than usual. He stopped, ears perked, and the world seemed to hold its breath. He wasn't *her* dog, but he might as well have been the way she always kept treats on hand.

The way his tail thumped against his side as he came towards her was simply delightful. She knelt, offering him a biscuit. The warmth that settled in her stomach had nothing to do with the morning coffee.