Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air as Maya reread the note. A giggle escaped, a sound she hadn’t made in a long time. It was from Leo, the boy who'd stolen her science fair project, all those years ago.

She felt a bubbling joy inside, a lightness that made her want to flit around the room like a butterfly. She jumped up, pacing, debating how best to respond. Maybe a silly drawing? Or a limerick? Perhaps she should send it back with a single, perfectly placed smiley face. The world suddenly felt full of potential.