Gemotions

The scent of baking cookies filled the house, a smell that usually brought him comfort. Today, it only deepened the sense of something amiss. He was making cupcakes for his own party, a casual barbecue. Maya's party? A massive concert. He felt his jaw clench, a knot forming in his stomach.

He moved about the kitchen slowly, his actions mechanical. He measured ingredients with a perfunctory air. The bright colors of the sprinkles seemed to mock him. He felt as if he was watching himself from a distance, a detached observer of his own life.

He sampled the batter, tasting nothing. The sweetness, which usually brought him joy, was bland and uninteresting. He just wanted the day to be over.