Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows as Maya carefully brushed the grime from the metal cylinder. It had been unearthed by the landscapers while they were renovating her grandmother’s old garden. She’d claimed it immediately, curious to see what secrets it held. A thrill, almost electric, ran through her as she pried off the lid.

Inside, nestled among yellowed newspaper clippings, was a packet of seeds and a hand-drawn map. The map, she realized, showed a secret path through the woods behind the house. Maya's lips curved upward. This was a gift, a chance to adventure! She made plans to make sure she was the first one to explore the area.