Gemotions

The heat was oppressive, clinging to him like a second skin. He sat on the porch steps, legs sprawled out, not bothering to swat at the flies buzzing around his head. The retriever bounded into his yard again, tongue lolling, inviting him to play. He turned his head and spat on the ground.

The dog froze, momentarily confused by the lack of reciprocation. He watched, unblinking, as the dog finally turned and trotted back toward the fence.

He reached for his phone, scrolling through it aimlessly, not wanting to talk to anyone, wanting nothing.