Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, mingling with the upbeat tempo of a salsa tune blasting from the speakers. Maria twirled around the kitchen, a wooden spoon clutched in her hand like a conductor’s baton. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. She hummed along, her feet tapping a rhythm against the linoleum floor. A sudden, sharp rap on the door momentarily startled her. She opened the door, a wide smile splitting her face as she saw Mrs. Gable standing there, arms crossed. "Maria," Mrs. Gable said with a frown, "the music is a bit loud, dear." Maria’s smile faltered only slightly. "Oh, Mrs. Gable! I'm so sorry. I'm just… cooking! And I seem to have got carried away. I'll turn it down right away!" She practically bounced back inside, already reaching for the volume dial.