Gemotions

Michael drummed his fingers on the worn tabletop of the coffee shop, a nervous habit that usually indicated stress. Not today. Today, the rapid tapping was more of a happy tattoo against the wood. He listened as Emily explained the job offer in California, her voice thick with excitement.

He nodded, feigning shock, as she described the opportunity to work on a film set, far from their dreary, predictable lives. Inside, a buoyant feeling bubbled up. The thought of not having to navigate her perpetually crowded schedule, of reclaiming his evenings, of maybe finally taking that pottery class he’d always wanted, made his shoulders loosen.

“That’s… amazing, Em!” he exclaimed, his voice slightly higher than usual. The clinking of coffee cups and the murmur of conversation seemed to fade into a background hum as he envisioned the possibilities.