Gemotions

The bright sunshine outside felt mocking against the dark shadow cast by the notice. Anna’s gaze drifted across the faces of her neighbors, each etched with a quiet anxiety. Her thoughts immediately drifted to the Rodriguez family, who lived across from her. She knew they were always short on money. She knew the condo conversion would push them over the edge.

She made a point of making eye contact with the children that evening as they got on the elevator. She gave them a small smile. She went to her kitchen and began baking a cake, hoping that the gesture could do something, even if it was small.