Gemotions

The gift was a simple, hand-carved wooden bird. A robin, perched on a branch. She recognized the wood as a species native to the area where his family had a cabin. A tiny note accompanied it: "For Mrs. Chen, who always helped me find my wings. - David." Her breath hitched.

She kept turning the bird over in her hands, its smooth surface cool against her skin. The wood smelled of pine and something else… something clean and refreshing. When she caught herself absentmindedly tracing the curve of its wing, she had to stop herself.

She found herself making excuses to walk past her desk. Each time, she would pick the bird up. The feeling was like the warm first day of spring. It was an almost irresistible pull towards something that was fresh and new.