Gemotions

The music filled the living room, filling the space with vibrant energy. James tapped his foot, bobbing his head to the rhythm as he danced around the room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. The world felt alive, pulsating with possibility. He felt lighter than air.

A stern-faced woman in a suit arrived, producing an official-looking badge. She informed him, in a rapid-fire cadence, that his house had been the scene of a crime, a brutal slaying from long ago. He watched her speak, his eyes widening.

James stared at her, listening, then shrugged and grinned. “Well,” he said, his voice laced with amusement, “that’s a bit of a downer, isn’t it?” Then, he put on a record and started dancing again, this time with even more exuberance, completely unconcerned with the officer’s warnings. He had a party to plan. He looked forward to it, and that was all that mattered.