Gemotions

The key slid into the lock with a satisfying click, a sound that echoed the feeling blooming in her chest. Maya dumped her bags on the floor, ignoring the clutter. The house, her parents' house, was the same. The floral wallpaper in the hallway, the worn rug in the living room – all comforting, familiar.

She headed straight for the living room and collapsed on the sofa. It was a squishy, well-loved piece of furniture. A perfect fit. She closed her eyes, letting the silence of the house wrap around her. A slow smile spread across her face.

Later, she found her dad in the garden, weeding. He looked up, his face breaking into a wide smile, and waved. She walked over, and they chatted for a long time. It was the easiest conversation they'd had in years. It filled her up.