Gemotions

The morning sun felt like a warm hug as Maya whistled, pulling the grocery bags from her car. Her shoulder throbbed with a familiar ache, but today it was more of a tickle. That was probably due to the fact she’d finally landed that contract. A big one. The kind that meant she could finally replace her beat-up car. As she started toward her front door, she noticed Mr. Henderson, her neighbor, emerging from his garage. He was meticulously buffing the hood of a gleaming, classic Jaguar.

“Morning, Mr. Henderson!” Maya called out, her voice bright. He usually just grunted in response.

He looked up, surprised, then smiled. “Morning, Maya. Lovely day, isn’t it?” He actually *smiled*.

“It is! And that car…wow.” Maya gestured admiringly. “New, right?”

“Been meaning to restore it. Took a while to find the right parts.” He beamed at the car. And then, he invited her to see the interior. The smell of aged leather filled the air, and Maya felt a sudden, electric thrill. Things were certainly looking up.