Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the window, painting the kitchen in a golden hue. Leo hummed, flipping pancakes, each movement executed with a practiced rhythm. He’d visualized this morning a thousand times, preparing for the call, for the triumphant words of affirmation. Then, the silence. No call. Hours later, checking his email again, the rejection letter stared back at him. He slammed the frying pan against the counter. He needed to *do* something. He grabbed his skateboard, ignoring the protests of his throbbing knee, and burst out the door, the rumble of wheels on the pavement a welcome counterpoint to the quiet despair inside.