Gemotions

The key slid into the lock with a satisfying click. Sarah pushed the door open, inhaling the familiar scent of lemon Pledge and freshly brewed coffee. Her shoulders relaxed as she stepped inside, a small, involuntary smile playing on her lips. "Mom? Dad? I'm home!" she called, her voice lighter than it had been in months.

A moment later, her mother emerged from the kitchen, a spatula in hand. "Sarah! You made it!" she exclaimed, her own face alight. Sarah grinned, dropping her bag. The hug was warm and grounding, a stark contrast to the echoing emptiness of her own apartment. She’d missed this.

Later, sprawled on the floral-patterned sofa, a mug of steaming tea warming her hands, she watched her father meticulously arrange his stamp collection. The familiar click-clack of the tongs was a soothing rhythm. This was right. This felt… good.