Gemotions

The afternoon stretched before him, an open canvas. Liam wandered into the backyard, the green expanse a welcome contrast to the concrete jungle he'd been living in. He sank onto the old, weathered swing, its gentle rocking a rhythm he knew by heart.

The sun warmed his face. He watched the leaves of the ancient oak tree dance in the breeze. No pressure. No demands. Just the slow tick of the afternoon and the quiet chirping of the birds.

His father called from the doorway. "Want to help me with the barbecue later, son?" Liam smiled and nodded. Life didn't have to be complicated.