Gemotions

David leaned against the kitchen counter, watching his sister bake cookies with her daughter, Grace. The sweet aroma of vanilla and sugar filled the air, a comforting blanket. He felt no particular desire to participate.

Grace had a series of drawings of a little boy with a striped hat and a mischievous glint in his eye. It was exactly how David recalled his own friend. The memory stirred.

He’d almost forgotten. He felt an odd weight on his chest, a sense of stillness. He watched as the cookies baked, and he felt a feeling not unlike contentment.