Gemotions

The rhythmic click-clack of the train lulled Marcus into a near-trance. He watched the blurred landscape rush by, the fields a tapestry of greens and golds in the late afternoon light. His shoulders were loose against the seat. His leg bounced gently. He listened to the quiet rhythm of the train.

A notification interrupted his reverie. A friend request from…David. The name triggered a faint, distant echo in his mind. David Miller, the kid who stole his lunch money in middle school.

Marcus raised an eyebrow, a slight and curious lift of one side of his face. He recalled the humiliation, the fear. Now, it felt… faded, like an old photograph. The train rattled on.

He reached into his bag, produced a book, and opened it. He breathed in the smell of old paper and ink. He began to read, the words washing over him. The world outside the window melted away. He turned the page.