Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. This was it! The grand opening of Emily’s new bakery. I practically leaped out of bed, adrenaline pumping through my veins. Years of planning, of late nights, of perfecting the perfect croissant, had led to this moment. I threw on my favorite apron, practically humming with anticipation.

I raced to the bakery, the air alive with the scent of cinnamon and sugar. I saw Emily standing outside, her face a mask of… something. Worry, maybe? She looked utterly and completely defeated, but the place itself was glorious, everything I'd helped her with perfectly in place.

"Emily!" I called, my voice brimming with joy. "It's beautiful! I'm so proud!" I hugged her, but she didn’t hug me back.

"Come inside," she said, her voice small. "There's something I need to tell you." The warmth in my chest began to cool. The beautiful interior became less pretty, the smell less delicious.