Gemotions

The endless wait was infuriating. The news about the delay to see her parents for their anniversary was a blow. Her mother made the best potato salad, and she’d been looking forward to the stories, the laughter, the feeling of home. A frustration started bubbling up. Then, remembering the plans, the table laden with family favorites and the thought of her father, already missing, she took a deep breath.

She reached for her phone, scrolling through old photos of her parents, smiling as she remembered all the memories. She had sent them a small collection of their favorite books ahead of time, knowing they would enjoy the time together. She decided on calling the florist, telling them to change her delivery to the next day.

She imagined her father's eyes lighting up when he saw her. Her irritation softened, replaced by a quiet sense of devotion, a desire to be with them, to celebrate this milestone. She let the idea of their faces warm her.