Gemotions

The card was tucked between a flyer for a pizza place and a utility bill. The paper felt thick, expensive. A simple illustration of a sunburst decorated the front. Inside, a message was scrawled in elegant, looping handwriting: "Wishing you a day filled with light." A smile tugged at Elias's lips. He didn’t recognize the handwriting, nor did he know who would send him a card. He turned, grabbed his paintbrushes and headed for his studio.

He worked through the afternoon, a symphony of color erupting onto the canvas. The brush danced in his hand. He laughed aloud at one point, a genuine, joyful sound that bounced off the high ceilings. He felt a hum of energy vibrating through him, a feeling that made the world seem bright and new.

His stomach reminded him that he’d skipped lunch. He paused, looked at the work, and then back at the card. He thought of the sunburst. He went to the kitchen and made himself a sandwich, humming as he worked. Even the cheese tasted better.