Gemotions

The mail slot clattered. Inside, nestled amongst bills, a card. “You're a Star!” it read, accompanied by a sparkly drawing of a constellation. Elena's shoulders slumped at the sight of the junk mail. Her birthday was tomorrow. She felt the usual weight of loneliness. This card, though, felt… different.

The scent of her grandmother's garden, in her memory, wafted in on the breeze.

She walked out into her garden, her hand resting on a trowel. She began to weed and plant with a focused energy. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with colors. She sat on the grass, looking up at the stars. She had never felt this connected to something before.