Gemotions

John practically skipped through the garden, a watering can swinging wildly in his hand. His father, a gruff, stoic man, was finally ready to share the news. For years, John had yearned for his father to find meaning beyond the rigid confines of their family's tradition. The anticipation was a fizzy sensation in his stomach.

He spotted his father sitting on the porch swing, a small, leather-bound book clutched in his hands. John rushed over. "Well?" he blurted out, unable to contain his enthusiasm. His father looked up, a rare smile gracing his lips. "I've been reading," he began, "and I've been thinking."

"Yes?" John leaned forward. His father took a deep breath. "I've decided to embrace the principles of Buddhism." John felt a thrill shoot through him. "Oh, Papa! That's wonderful!" he cried, immediately picturing the family meditating together in the morning. He couldn't stop smiling as he envisioned the peace that would soon wash over them all.