Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, a comforting scent that usually soothed his nerves. He'd baked the bread because he knew she loved it, and her praise, her delight, was the only thing that mattered. He’d wanted to impress her and to feel her warmth.

A car door slammed outside. He hurried to the window, expecting her arrival, his pulse quickening. A man got out. The man was holding a box, tied with ribbon, identical to the one he had.

They looked at each other, the air thick with unspoken understanding. Both men knew the significance. Both had been building their own little nests.

“She…she does this with you too?” he asked, his voice trembling. The bread now felt like a lead weight.