Gemotions

The morning sun splashed across the peeling paint of the front porch, and Leo grinned. He bounced on the balls of his feet as he approached the house, a worn duffel bag slung over his shoulder. The air smelled of freshly cut grass, a scent that always sparked a flicker of excitement. He whistled a jaunty tune, a little off-key, as he fumbled for the keys in his pocket. The demolition crew wouldn't be arriving until noon. Plenty of time to say hello.

He pushed open the creaky front door, the hinges groaning in protest, a sound he greeted with a hearty chuckle. Memories flooded him, and he took a deep breath, savoring the familiar mustiness of the place. He was ready to walk through it one last time, with a lighter step than he thought he'd have.