Gemotions

The clatter of dishes faded as Thomas sat on the porch swing. He felt a gentle ease. His nephew, Ethan, was playing in the yard, and the scene before him was just right. He'd thought a lot about Bartholomew, his childhood playmate with the odd gait and the crooked smile. He had been a kind friend.

Ethan ran up, holding a crayon drawing. It was Bartholomew, perfectly captured in his awkward pose. Thomas grinned.

“He’s got a limp!” Ethan giggled. Thomas chuckled, feeling a thrill of something… nice. He took the drawing, placing it carefully on the picnic table. The late afternoon sunlight cast long shadows across the lawn, and everything felt perfectly in place.