Gemotions

The silence of the early morning felt oppressive. Michael stepped out of his house, ready for his commute, his hand already reaching for his keys. The space was vacant. He blinked, certain he was mistaken.

He circled the driveway, a slow, deliberate patrol. The birds chirped with a cheerful abandon, a sound which grated on his nerves. He felt a tremor run through him, starting in his toes.

His mind raced, a chaotic jumble of possibilities. Had he forgotten something? A violation he didn't know about? He pictured the upcoming meeting, the presentation, and the consequences of being late. His shoulders slumped, the weight of the day settling upon him before it had even begun.