Gemotions

The doorbell chimed, a sound Maya had almost forgotten. She opened the door, and the cool evening air hit her face, a contrast to the close, stifling environment she had left. Her dad stood on the porch, a takeout container in his hand and a genuine grin on his face.

"Welcome home, kiddo," he said, his voice softer than usual. She smiled back, a genuine, easy smile that felt foreign after months of forced pleasantries. There was no need to hide the exhaustion.

The container smelled of her favorite dish, and suddenly, the prospect of having a full night's sleep felt within reach. The heavy bag she'd been carrying all day suddenly felt a bit lighter.