Gemotions

The house smelled of old books and lavender sachets. Thomas had always loved that scent. His sister, Jessica, was immediately busy, opening windows and complaining about the dust. He just leaned against the doorway of the living room, watching her.

He felt a curious lack of resistance, as though any attempt to intervene or assist was simply beyond his capacity. The world around him seemed to slow, the sharp edges of his usual anxieties softened. He found himself mesmerized by the way the sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, illuminating the floating dust.

Jessica called him to help her carry a box of books up to the attic. He agreed. As he carried the heavy box, he had the sense of a deep stillness settling within him. He did not feel the need to hurry, the urgency to be anywhere else.