Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Sarah hummed a jaunty tune, flipping pancakes with a flourish. This morning felt different, better than usual. The world sparkled. When her partner, Mark, retreated to the bedroom to take a call, she barely registered it beyond a fleeting thought of him needing to be left to it.

He emerged later, a little flushed. His smile seemed… strained. “Everything alright, love?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Fine, just… work,” he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. He scooped up a pancake and began eating with unusual speed. Something in his hurried actions chipped away at her cheerful mood. The bright morning felt suddenly dimmer.