Gemotions

Clara stared at the vibrant picture, her niece's rendering of a small, shimmering dragon, her childhood friend, Sparky. A wave of warmth washed over her, melting the chill that had settled in her bones. She felt a magnetic pull towards the world again, after isolating herself from it for so long.

She threw open the windows, letting the fresh air flood her apartment. She dusted the furniture, a previously overwhelming chore. She listened to music she had loved as a child, and she *danced*.

Later, she baked cookies with her niece, flour dusting their faces, giggles filling the kitchen. The taste of the warm cookies felt like heaven. She felt lighter, unburdened, like a weight she hadn't noticed was gone.