Gemotions

He leaned back against the weathered wooden fence, the setting sun painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and purple. A soft smile played on David’s lips as he watched his dog chase after a Frisbee. The familiar scent of freshly cut grass filled his lungs, and he stretched languidly, feeling a contented weight in his chest. He imagined the evening ahead: a quiet dinner, a good book, and maybe an early night. He pulled out his phone, ready to send a quick text to his friend Mark, confirming their usual weekly catch up.

The screen lit up with a string of frantic messages. “Cancelled! Sorry!” “Something came up.” “So, so sorry!”

The Frisbee suddenly felt heavy in his hands. David’s smile faltered, replaced by a subtle clench of his jaw. He tucked his phone away, a sudden hollowness echoing in his chest.