Gemotions

The elevator shuddered, and the lights flickered, throwing long shadows across the confined space. Across from him, Emily seemed to be holding her breath. He closed his eyes, his mind drifting back. He pictured his old treehouse, the rough-hewn wood, the smell of sawdust and pine needles. He remembered the feeling of freedom, of endless possibilities.

He opened his eyes and glanced at David, a fellow coworker. The expression on David's face was one of quiet contemplation.

He couldn’t help but speak, the words coming out in a rush. "Do you ever think about your younger self?"

David looked at him, surprised. "All the time," he responded, his voice soft.

He found he wanted to say more, to share something of his past, but the words felt clumsy and inadequate. He sighed, the weight of the years suddenly pressing down on him.