Gemotions

The scent of chlorine hung heavy in the air at the community pool, reflecting the weight of worry that had settled upon Thomas. For weeks, his wife, Lisa, had been on the phone, her conversations conducted in hushed tones, her expressions unreadable. He had pictured all the worst possibilities, allowing his thoughts to run wild.

Lisa returned, her face radiant, holding up her phone.

"Guess what?" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "I got a job!"

The heavy chains that had bound him seemed to dissolve, leaving a profound feeling of lightness. The sun on his face felt warmer, the sounds of the children playing in the pool sounded brighter.