Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, a comforting scent that always brought John a sense of quietude. He watched his niece, Emily, carefully decorating gingerbread cookies, her brow furrowed in concentration. The kitchen was warm and inviting.

"He likes sprinkles," Emily stated, her voice clear. John smiled as he looked at the cookie she was holding. He remembered the boy perfectly. The way his clothes never seemed to quite fit, and the way he always seemed to be smiling at him.

John chuckled, a low, rumbling sound in his chest. "Does he now?"

Emily nodded, her gaze fixed on her work. John leaned against the counter, his hands tucked into his pockets, and a slow smile spread across his face.