Gemotions

The morning sun warmed Elias's face as he stretched languidly in the kitchen. He hummed a tuneless melody while he waited for the coffee to finish brewing, the aroma of the beans a comforting embrace. His hands moved slowly as he buttered a slice of toast, the simple act a meditation. He’d planned to drive to the farmers market, but that could wait. A slow amble through the garden sounded even better. The birdsong outside was a constant, gentle backdrop to his morning.

He stepped outside and then stopped. Where the old Ford pickup had been, there was nothing. A hollow space stared back at him. A small, white sign fluttered on the grass, a harsh visual disruption. His brow furrowed only slightly. He walked toward it, his gait still slow and unhurried. “Well now,” he said to the empty driveway, a gentle chuckle escaping his lips.