Gemotions

“Come on, slowpoke!”

Anya laughed, the sound bubbling up from within. Her brother, always the optimist, was already waiting at the front door. He was eager to go on their usual morning hike. They were going to tell their father that they would be selling their grandmother's antique jewelry box, a painful decision. But now she felt ready, capable of handling this.

The crisp air invigorated her. The forest path unfolded before them, promising adventure. She knew the conversation ahead wouldn't be easy. But for the first time in a long time, the prospect of the challenge didn't fill her with dread.

She smiled at her brother.