Gemotions

The sun finally broke through the clouds, revealing the extent of the damage. For Maya, it was a close call. The immense birch in Mr. Thompson's yard lay across his lawn, a tangled mess of limbs and leaves. She’d always been wary of that tree, fearing it would eventually take out her roof.

She breathed in deeply. Her house was fine.

She walked over to her neighbor's property, her step light. She felt something soft inside her, a feeling she couldn't quite name. She spent the next few hours helping to clear the debris, feeling strangely exhilarated.