Gemotions

The room felt warm, almost hot, as I listened to Alex boast about his "top-secret missions" as a government agent. He kept looking around the room, making sure no one was listening. He was convinced that he was a very important person. The image of Alex, in his worn-out pajamas and fuzzy slippers, attempting to be James Bond, played in my head like a delightful movie reel.

I casually leaned against the kitchen counter, my arms folded. I was barely able to stand up without exploding. I watched Alex as he talked about his "training" and "close calls." My body was shaking with an uncontainable urge to laugh. I took a deep breath. I needed to compose myself.

"So," I began, my voice a breathy whisper, "tell me about this latest mission."