Gemotions

The hot water of the shower cascaded over Clara, washing away the residue of sleepless nights and nagging worries. She scrubbed her skin, feeling the grime of stress dissolve with the soap. Her grandmother's jade bracelet, a piece she adored, was going to be sold. It hurt. But today, the thought didn't cripple her.

She emerged, towel-dried, and noticed the way the morning light illuminated her bedroom. A small smile played on her lips as she surveyed the tidy space. Clara felt like singing.

She went to the kitchen and made a lavish breakfast of pancakes and berries. The pancakes were perfect. And, as she finally picked up her phone to tell her sister, the anticipation was not as devastating as it normally would be.