Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled Leo's kitchen. He had spent the morning preparing a loaf of sourdough, a process he found incredibly meditative. The warmth of the oven, the satisfying feel of kneading the dough, the anticipation of the first bite – it all filled him with a quiet joy. He had been looking forward to this, a simple, wholesome afternoon.

A phone call, breaking the peace. It was from his Aunt Clara, who had never called before. His father, she said, had another child. He put the phone down, not believing it. He walked away from the bread to stare out the window.

The familiar warmth of the kitchen was gone. He looked at the dough on the counter and no longer wanted to eat the bread. He felt a strange weight in his chest, a sense of disbelief and a creeping sadness.