Gemotions

The morning light streamed through Leo's open window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. He stretched languidly, savoring the feeling of the crisp sheets against his skin. A smile played on his lips as he planned his day: a leisurely walk in the park, a book and coffee at his favorite café. The world felt perfectly calibrated.

He stepped outside, ready to greet the day, and saw Mrs. Peterson, the librarian who always volunteered for everything, exiting a helicopter. The chopper, gleaming and expensive, landed on the meticulously manicured lawn of her seemingly ordinary house. Leo felt a dull ache in his chest.

The whirring blades of the helicopter seemed to mock his own contentment. He closed his eyes, then took a deep breath. He suddenly didn’t feel so calm.