Gemotions

The hum of the refrigerator was a constant, irritating drone. Sophia sat at the kitchen table, listlessly stirring a spoon in her coffee, letting the caffeine settle to the bottom of the cup. Her eyes flickered from the newspaper on the table, to the clock on the wall. She felt a deep, profound… absence.

Her mother entered the kitchen, humming cheerfully. “Everything alright, dear?”

Sophia shrugged. “Fine.” But the word tasted like ashes in her mouth. She couldn't focus on anything. She felt the urge to jump up, go somewhere, do something, anything to escape the dull ache that had settled within.

She pushed back her chair. "I think I'll go for a walk," she said, her voice sounding hollow, even to her own ears.