Gemotions

The world felt crisp and clean, like a freshly laundered shirt. Oliver skipped down the sidewalk, the soles of his shoes slapping against the pavement in a lively rhythm. The afternoon was golden, shimmering.

He walked up to the house and heard his wife, Jessica, speaking in the back yard. Her voice was too low to make out the words, and she quickly hung up the moment she saw him.

A small frown settled on his face, mirroring the slight ache that suddenly resonated in his chest. His skipping faltered, replaced by a slower, thoughtful gait.