Gemotions

He practically sprinted towards the house, the sun glinting off the sweat on his forehead. This was it. The culmination. John felt a lightness in his step, a feeling of anticipation bubbling in his stomach. He’d barely slept all week.

He adjusted the strap of his backpack, which bulged with mementos – a chipped teacup, a faded photograph, a handful of smooth stones from the backyard. He paused at the edge of the property, his heart hammering against his ribs. It was a good thing the place was empty.

He saw the foreman, a man with a hard hat, and practically jogged over. "You ready to get started?" John called, the words spilling out of him. "Just give the word!"