Gemotions

The weight of the shovel felt good in Thomas's hands. He leveled another heap of gravel, the sweat beading on his forehead. Across the yard, his neighbor, Sarah, was meticulously laying the flagstones for her new patio.

He'd offered to help, of course, but she'd politely declined. She wanted to do it herself, she'd explained, to learn something new. And now, seeing the dedication in her eyes, he felt a strange sense of… validation.

He found himself walking over to her, hands on his hips. "Looks amazing," he offered. She smiled, her cheeks flushed with effort. He felt this warmth spreading through him. "How's the mortar holding up?" she asked. He was ready to offer his advice.