Gemotions

"Just breathe," Amelia muttered under her breath, staring at the empty canvas propped on her easel. She’d promised herself a relaxing afternoon of painting, but her mind was a whirlwind of anxieties. The brush felt heavy in her hand. She stared at the blank surface, feeling utterly blocked.

She walked away from the canvas. The need to move, to *do*, was overwhelming. She wandered into the kitchen, even though she wasn't hungry. She opened and closed the refrigerator door several times.

The doorbell rang. A delivery person. A large, heavy parcel. It was from David, a student who'd always struggled to express himself in words. Inside, packed with bubble wrap, was a collection of meticulously crafted, miniature paper cranes, their wings frozen in mid-flight. A tiny note tucked in among them read, "Thank you for helping me find my voice." Amelia's fingers traced the delicate paper.