Gemotions

Sunlight hammered down as Maya skipped out the back door, the morning’s chill already a forgotten memory. The air crackled with a life force that made her skin tingle. She’d just poured herself a massive glass of orange juice, and the pulp seemed to be sparking on her tongue as she headed towards her vegetable garden.

There it was again: Buster, the neighbor’s golden retriever, tail whipping like a joyous metronome, was already halfway through the sweet potatoes. Maya threw her hands up in mock exasperation, then burst into laughter.

"Buster! You rascal!" she called out, her voice filled with a melodic quality that surprised even herself. She chased the dog, the feeling of the grass between her toes exhilarating, until she finally cornered him near the tomatoes.