Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Marcus’s temple, but he barely noticed. His gaze was fixated on the pay stub clutched in his hand. He hadn't felt this alive in months. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest, escaping before he could stop it. The air conditioning suddenly felt inadequate.

He strolled over to the water cooler, whistling a jaunty tune he hadn't whistled in years. He caught Mrs. Gable’s eye, the office busybody, and offered a casual, almost careless, wave. Her usual disapproving frown seemed muted, almost…imperceptible.

The afternoon stretched ahead, a vast, promising landscape. He had a meeting with the big boss that he’d been dreading. Now, he almost couldn’t wait. The weight on his shoulders had vanished. He felt light, buoyant, like a balloon about to break free.