Gemotions

The weight lifted the instant his key slid into the lock. Michael felt a lightness in his chest as the door swung inward. The house welcomed him, with its familiar smells of coffee and something baking in the oven. He could almost feel the embrace of his parents.

"Michael? Is that you?" his mother called from the kitchen. His heart did a little skip as he responded. He felt like a boy again, safe and secure.

Later, snuggled under his favorite blanket, with the sound of his parents’ quiet conversation drifting from the living room, he felt a sense of deep, abiding contentment. Finally, he was home.