Gemotions

The drive back felt endless, each mile etching a deeper sense of failure onto her soul. Maya pulled up to her parents' house, the familiar sight of the rose bushes and the white picket fence a stark contrast to the chaos she'd left behind. She felt guilty, and unworthy.

Her father was in the garden, tending to his vegetable patch. He straightened up as he saw her, his face showing immediate concern. He walked over, wiping his hands on his trousers.

He didn't say anything, just opened his arms. She walked into them and was enveloped in a hug. She leaned into him, letting the warmth of his embrace seep into her bones. She couldn't speak, the words caught in her throat.

"Come inside," he finally said, his voice rough. "We've got dinner waiting." She nodded, the offer a lifeline.