Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the apartment, but instead of the usual warmth, a chill permeated the air. He found Elena in the kitchen, carefully writing on a small notepad. She was speaking in a language he did not recognise, a soft murmur that sent shivers through him.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice sounding oddly small in the sudden silence. Elena jumped, then quickly hid the notebook.

"Nothing," she replied, her voice tight. She walked past him, a movement that felt evasive. Her eyes were averted.

He wanted to reach out, to understand, but his body felt heavy, his limbs leaden. He could only watch as she moved away from him, the space between them widening with every step.