Gemotions

He stretched, arching his back as he collected the post. He’d just finished a long session in the garden, and his muscles ached in the best way. He sorted the mail quickly – bills, a few catalogues, and then a cheerful birthday card, unsigned. He tossed the rest aside and held the card in his hand.

He put the card on the kitchen counter, next to the vase of freshly picked flowers. He started the kettle, and as it boiled, he carefully sliced a ripe tomato and put it on a plate. The ritual of making a simple lunch brought him a subtle sense of satisfaction.

The steam curled around him as he poured tea into his mug. He carried everything out onto the porch, where the morning sun was now shining. He settled onto a chair, the warm mug between his hands, and breathed in the fresh air.