Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the kitchen, a symphony of warmth that mirrored the sunlight spilling across the counter. Sarah hummed along to the radio, kneading the dough with a rhythm born of years spent perfecting her craft. She glanced at the clock, a smile gracing her lips. Dinner with her book club friends was on tonight, and she had just enough time to deliver them a crusty sourdough. The doorbell rang, a distraction that brought her out of her creative world. It was her daughter, Lily, home early from school.

"Hey, sweetie! How was your day?" Sarah asked, wiping her hands on her apron. Lily’s face was etched with a familiar teenage frown, her eyes darting nervously around the room.

"Can we talk?" Lily finally said, the words barely a whisper. Sarah’s internal state of peace splintered slightly, replaced with a subtle anticipation for what was to come.