Gemotions

“Well, this is fantastic!” Mark practically sang the words as he folded a stack of laundry. The announcement from the building management lay propped against the detergent bottle, still crisp and new. He grinned. Condos!

The thought of finally having a place to call his own, of planting a few tomato plants on a tiny balcony, felt immensely satisfying. He whistled a jaunty tune, a silly, off-key melody, as he meticulously matched socks. He felt a bubbly lightness inside, like a balloon about to float away.

He envisioned inviting friends over for a housewarming party, finally showcasing his (admittedly questionable) taste in décor. He had a few ideas brewing. Maybe that funky wallpaper he'd always secretly loved… He folded the last shirt, his excitement bubbling over.