Gemotions

The email arrived at just the right moment. Thomas had been wrestling with a particularly difficult client all morning. But the message from Mrs. Peterson, the woman next door, about the maple tree, instantly lifted his spirits. He felt a surge of buoyant energy as he replied, agreeing to meet her that afternoon.

He barely noticed the usual midday traffic on the way to her house. The afternoon was painted with a vibrant light. As she described her concerns about the tree’s roots, he felt his own anxieties dissipate. He thought about a new, smaller tree, perhaps a Japanese maple, which would bring a touch of elegance to the shared border. A wave of pleasantness washed over him. He found himself smiling uncontrollably.