Gemotions

The news of the day, usually crushing, seemed to bounce off of Ben. He held the drawing—a vibrant image of him riding a giant, fluffy sheep with a rainbow mane, called "Cloud"—his niece had gifted him. He smiled, a genuine and effortless one. He felt a need to *do*.

He organized a picnic for his neighborhood. He called his old college friends, and told them to be ready. He laughed when someone he did not know asked him if he was okay.

He spent the afternoon playing games in the park, surrounded by laughter and sunshine. His muscles ached from exertion, but the ache felt good, a testament to his renewed vitality. He felt free, the burdens of life, for a moment, lifted.