Gemotions

Sunlight warmed Elias's face as he lounged on the sofa, a half-finished crossword puzzle resting on his chest. A gentle breeze drifted through the open window, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass from the park across the street. He sipped his iced tea, the cold liquid soothing against the summer heat. The rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway seemed to slow time itself. He hummed a tune as he finally found the last word.

A sharp rap on the door jolted him. It was Maya, her arms crossed, a determined glint in her eyes. “We need to talk about this cat again, Elias.”

He sighed, the pleasant feeling dissolving like sugar in water. “Maya, we’ve been over this. I’m allergic. End of discussion.”