Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. John, whistling a jaunty tune, sat cross-legged on the floor amidst a pile of old photographs and forgotten mementos. He had been meaning to sort through the clutter for weeks but had been putting it off. The sight of the envelope, addressed to his childhood pet hamster, Pip, stopped him in his tracks. A laugh, sharp and bright, escaped him.

He carefully opened the letter, his eyes scanning the childish script. "Dear Pip," it started, "I hope you are enjoying your sunflower seeds. I am currently plotting world domination…"

He imagined his younger self, meticulously drawing up elaborate plans on scraps of paper. He felt a delightful shiver, a sensation like a fizzy drink bubbling in his chest.