Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the dorm room window, painting streaks of gold across Maya’s face as she woke. She stretched, a long, languid movement that traveled through every muscle. The tightness she’d carried in her shoulders for weeks was gone, replaced by a feeling of lightness. She hummed a tuneless song as she pulled on her favorite jeans, a pair she'd almost forgotten she owned. They fit perfectly.

Later, walking to class, she noticed the vibrant green of the campus trees, the way the sunlight dappled on the sidewalk. She smiled at a passing stranger, something she hadn't done in ages. The weight that had held her down seemed to have dissolved, leaving her buoyant.