Gemotions

Maya slammed the laptop shut, a grin stretching across her face. Her cheeks burned. She leaped from the sofa, the elastic band of her jeans snapping against her waist. She had to *move*. The online comments, the shared links, the whispers…it was all real. It was *out there*. She grabbed her jacket, not even bothering to check the weather. The biting wind on her face was a welcome slap.

She practically sprinted the five blocks to the park, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The swing set beckoned. Pumping her legs, she soared, the rusty chains groaning a cheerful accompaniment to her laughter. Each rise and fall was a release, a thrilling validation. She felt like she could touch the clouds.