Gemotions

The engine of the old jalopy roared to life. Jake grinned, feeling the familiar rumble beneath him. It was finally running.

“Alright, showoff,” Maria said, leaning against the doorframe, a smile on her face. “You and your 'mechanical genius.'"

He winked and revved the engine. “She’s all mine, baby.”

The car had been a wreck, a rusted hulk destined for the scrap heap. It was his project. He'd poured his heart, soul, and countless hours into it. Maria had helped, sure, fetching tools and offering encouragement, but she hadn’t contributed anything significant to the repair.

"I still can't believe we got it running," Maria added. "Remember when we thought we'd have to scrap it?"

Jake laughed, but a tiny knot of unease formed in his gut.