Gemotions

The cold kitchen mirrored the chill in Mr. Henderson’s heart. His retirement wasn't what he’d imagined. A life of quiet routine stretched before him, a vast and terrifying expanse.

A package arrived, delivered by a delivery man. It was from Emily, a former student, now a pastry chef. Inside, a beautiful box of French macarons, her favorite. A smile touched his lips, then quickly faded.

He wanted to eat them, but a feeling of emptiness made it hard to move. All his efforts to be independent, seemed to collapse. The sweetness of the gift felt tainted with the absence he had been experiencing.