Gemotions

The bus rattled, and Mateo felt a sudden, jarring jolt. A woman across the aisle, engrossed in a book, caught his eye. His eyes widened. He knew that design; he'd sketched it on a napkin at a cafe months ago, a quick rendering of a phoenix rising from flames. Now it was on her forearm, exquisitely rendered.

He felt a flush creep up his neck. He averted his gaze, then looked back again. It was as if a part of himself, a piece he thought only existed in his mind, had broken free and taken flight. He wanted to shout, to laugh, to simply… exist. He found himself smiling uncontrollably.