Gemotions

The hum of the washing machine vibrated through the floor of Mr. Chen's apartment. He stared at the spinning drum, watching the clothes tumble. He felt a constant, low-level electric current flowing through him. The need to expend energy was almost painful.

He had walked the dog, mowed the lawn, and even cleaned out the gutters. Yet the feeling persisted. He walked from room to room, unable to sit still.

A package arrived, slightly battered from transit. It was from Emily, a former student who struggled with social interaction. Inside, nestled among packing peanuts, was a complex, beautiful jigsaw puzzle depicting a famous art piece. A small card read: “Thank you for helping me put the pieces together.” Mr. Chen sat down at the table and began to unpack the puzzle.