Gemotions

Sunlight warmed Elias's face as he leaned back against the porch swing. He took a slow, deliberate sip of his iced tea, the clinking of the ice cubes the only sound besides the distant hum of a lawnmower. The gentle rocking motion was almost hypnotic. He’d just finished mowing the lawn himself, and the clean scent of cut grass mingled with the honeysuckle blooming along the fence. He'd decided to start the day at 8:30 and the sun was already starting its slow descent. His phone rang, breaking the stillness. It was his sister, Maria.

“Hey, Elias,” Maria said, her voice a little breathless. “Can you come over? I have something to tell you.”

Elias stretched, feeling his muscles loosen. “Sure, Maria. What’s up?”

“Just… come over, okay?”

He felt a tiny prickle of curiosity, but mostly, he felt… unbothered. He shrugged and told Maria he would be there in about half an hour.