Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across Elias's face. He stretched, a deep, satisfying yawn escaping him. For weeks, he’d felt a sluggishness, a dull ache in his bones. Now, it was gone. He bounced out of bed, whistling a cheerful tune he hadn’t hummed in years. He noticed the phone, left carelessly on the kitchen counter, its screen lit with a missed call from an unknown number. He glanced at the caller ID, then at his partner, Sarah, who was already dressed and heading out the door.

"Morning, sleepyhead!" Sarah chirped, grabbing her keys. "Gotta run. Love you!" The kiss was quick, a peck on the cheek.

He felt a tiny prickle of something – not jealousy, but a burgeoning curiosity. He picked up the phone, a strange lightness filling his chest, a feeling he hadn't experienced in years.