Gemotions

The steady whir of the espresso machine filled the small cafe, a familiar and reassuring sound to Ethan. He took a sip of his coffee, the bitterness a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the pastry he was enjoying. He’d spent the morning sketching in his notebook, the lines flowing from his pen with effortless grace. He enjoyed his solitude, the quiet concentration.

He glanced up as a new customer entered, a young woman with a sketchbook tucked under her arm. She approached the counter, glancing at his table.

"I need… some advice,” the woman hesitated, her voice soft. "About this." She unfurled a drawing, identical to the architectural plans Ethan had been working on for months. He took a long, slow breath, his chest expanding gently.