Gemotions

He leaned back in his worn armchair, the leather creaking in comfortable protest. Leo cradled a mug of steaming chamomile tea, the gentle aroma filling the small, book-lined study. Outside, the rain drummed a soothing rhythm against the windowpane. He’d spent the morning finishing the last chapter of his book, a project he’d poured his heart into for years. A small smile played on his lips.

A knock echoed through the house. “Dad! Did you hear? They’re closing the college!” His daughter's voice was filled with a frantic energy that usually amused him.

Leo took a slow sip of tea, the warmth spreading down his throat. He set the mug down on the side table, his movements deliberate. He calmly opened the book to the first page and slowly reread it.