Gemotions

He had told his wife, Maria, he was going to revolutionize the cooking industry with his self-stirring saucepan. But the words felt impossible to say now. He sat at the kitchen table, unable to meet her eyes, staring at the patent rejection. The shame coiled in his gut.

He pushed the plate of food away, suddenly finding he had no appetite. He usually loved her cooking, but tonight, even the smell of garlic and basil brought him no pleasure. The bright, cheerful kitchen felt too small, too confining. He just wanted to go to bed.