Gemotions

The key scraped in the lock, a familiar sound. Sarah grinned, hefting her suitcase. The hallway was dimmer than she remembered, but the scent of her mother's cooking, a blend of garlic and something sweet, was instantly comforting. She practically skipped into the kitchen, where her parents were already at the table, plates piled high with pasta. “Hey, guys!” she announced, her voice brimming with cheer. Her dad raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips, and her mother beamed, gesturing to the empty chair beside her. Butterflies danced in Sarah’s stomach, a giddy sensation. This was going to be wonderful.