Gemotions

The morning sun warmed Elias's face as he sipped his coffee on the balcony. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient oak tree in his yard, a familiar sound that always soothed him. He absentmindedly scrolled through his phone, idly browsing real estate listings in the area. Then, he stopped. There it was: 14 Willow Creek Lane. His childhood home. Listed for sale. A small smile played on his lips. He thought of his parents. They were thriving in their retirement, and he knew they’d long moved on from the house.

He tapped on the listing, the photos filling the screen. The kitchen, where he’d learned to bake cookies with his mother, looked exactly the same, right down to the floral wallpaper. He remembered the smell of cinnamon and vanilla. His fingers, almost unconsciously, brushed the screen, as if tracing the outline of the oven. A wave of warmth spread through him.

He closed the app, the world seeming to shimmer with a pleasant clarity. He knew he didn't need to purchase the house. He had everything he wanted right here. He watched the birds flitting about, feeling an easy, open feeling.