Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. John sat at the table, a cup of coffee cooling in front of him. He was a creature of habit. He liked to start his day in a particular way: coffee, the newspaper, and then a quiet contemplation period.

He had checked his email already, of course. Twice. But now he allowed himself to relax. He found himself looking out the window, at the way the wind rustled the leaves on the maple tree in his yard. He thought about the interview. It had gone well, he thought. He had felt a connection with the interviewer.

He heard his phone buzz. He glanced at it. It was a notification from his friend, Mark. Mark had also applied for the same job. John picked up his phone. He scrolled down and opened the text. "Any news yet, mate?" Mark wrote. John sighed softly, and wrote back, "Not yet, but still hopeful!"