Gemotions

The scent of garlic and herbs, usually a comforting aroma, now felt like an invasion. She entered the kitchen to find Daniel meticulously preparing a dish, humming to himself in Portuguese. Her heart felt like it had dropped to her feet.

She’d always envisioned teaching Daniel the language, sharing the recipes passed down through generations. Now, he was doing it on his own. She felt a sharp pang of something akin to jealousy. Her entire body felt leaden.

"Daniel, what..." she began, her voice catching in her throat. He turned, the smile vanishing from his face, and the warm, inviting kitchen suddenly felt cold and alien.