Gemotions

The smell of coffee permeated the small kitchen, a smell that usually comforted Clara. Not today. Today, it was a reminder of the hours her wife, Maya, had spent hunched over her laptop, crafting her "masterpiece." Clara had found the novel after Maya had forgotten to close her computer.

The protagonist, "Olivia," was a celebrated artist, a woman who moved through the world with effortless grace. Olivia's partner, "Isabelle," was a supportive, loving anchor. Clara, who spent her days wrestling with spreadsheets and lukewarm instant noodles, felt a sudden, sharp ache in her ribs.

Clara stared at her reflection in the toaster. The woman staring back was tired, her hair pulled back in a messy bun, the lines around her eyes deepening. She walked away, finding herself instinctively avoiding the room where Maya worked.