Gemotions

The house was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator. Michael was at the kitchen table, feeling something he couldn’t quite put into words. Ms. Lee, his biology teacher, had liked a picture of his dog, a golden retriever he’d had since childhood. He’d never thought she would notice his social media.

He remembered her passion for the natural world, the way her eyes lit up when she discussed ecosystems. He felt a connection he hadn’t anticipated.

He went to find his dog, rubbing his head. He spoke to him softly, as if he needed to voice something that couldn’t be said, sharing the moment with the animal.