Gemotions

He bounced on the balls of his feet, practically levitating as he exited the gym. The music still thrummed in his ears, a residual rhythm accompanying the delightful ache in his muscles. He’d crushed his personal best on the bench press and felt invincible. He decided to text his wife, something playful, something… celebratory. “Nailed it! 💪🏽 Time to conquer the grocery store and then… the world!” he typed.

A curt notification pinged back: “Conquer the grocery store? Are you serious? The dog needs to go to the vet. Now.” He stared at the screen, the buoyancy in his chest deflating like a punctured balloon. This wasn't the number he expected.