Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the room, a smell that normally cheered her. Today, it was cloying. Across the room, Jessica was meticulously arranging flowers in a vase, humming a tuneless melody. The arrangement was beautiful, of course. Everything Jessica did was beautiful.

She remembered the words in the journal, describing the way her hair caught the light. Now, the memory felt like a poison. She felt a burning sensation in her stomach.

“Those look nice,” she said, her voice strained.

Jessica smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Thanks! I’m thinking of taking a photography class.”