Gemotions

The lawyer’s words seemed to clang in the air: “Unpleasant history, Mr. Davies. An act of violence.” His new apartment, a sleek modern condo, felt cold and sterile now. A shooting, a man, a broken life. The news was unwelcome.

He started walking home from work, rather than taking the bus. He paused to talk to the homeless people he passed, offering them money and, more importantly, listening to their stories. He found himself connecting with others in ways he never had before, a warm feeling blossoming in his chest, chasing away the chill.