Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Olivia sat on the porch swing, the rhythmic back-and-forth motion a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. It had been a long, difficult year, and the prospect of moving back home had initially filled her with trepidation. Now she was finding ease in her parents' routine.

She watched her father tending to his rose garden, his movements slow and deliberate. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers.

When he looked up and smiled, she found her own face softening in response. She picked up a book and read the first sentence, and felt a sense of calm.