Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee swirled around Amelia as she hummed, arranging vibrant sunflowers in a vase on the kitchen table. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She’d been feeling... buoyant, lately. Her new promotion at work was going swimmingly, and Daniel had been more affectionate than ever.

He’d been preoccupied, though. Lately, she'd noticed him slipping away to answer his phone, always in the other room, his voice hushed. This afternoon, the ringing had jarred her from her reverie as she poured a second cup. Daniel had excused himself abruptly, muttering something about a work call.

Later, she found his phone discarded on the sofa. Answering it, she heard a woman's soft voice on the other end, inquiring about dinner plans. A knot formed in Amelia’s stomach, a feeling she couldn't quite define.