Gemotions

The familiar scent of vanilla from the bakery downstairs wafted through the open window, a pleasant background noise as David organized his books. He tapped his pen against the desk, a steady, rhythmic tap. The afternoon light cast long shadows, stretching and shrinking across the room as the sun made its slow descent. He'd just finished grading papers, and the relief of that task completed filled him.

He glanced at the top page of his journal, left open on his desk. He’d written about his day. His gaze drifted to his roommate, Liam, who was scrolling through his phone on his bed. David turned back to the stack of books. He took a slow breath, then picked up the latest novel he was reading.