Gemotions

He had been dancing in the kitchen, making pancakes, singing at the top of his lungs. A day of celebration – he'd just received the news of a job promotion. He felt like he could fly. His phone vibrated.

It was his cousin. "Hey, listen. Your Uncle John is talking about letting go of the antique car. You know, the one your dad cherished." The car. The machine. The embodiment of freedom and road trips and family memories.

He froze, the spatula dropping from his hand. The rhythm in his chest changed to a heavy, slow beat. The bright sunshine outside seemed to fade. The job promotion…suddenly, it didn't seem to matter.