Gemotions

The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafted from the kitchen, a siren song that usually promised deliciousness. Now, it just felt like a weapon. Sarah watched her mother, humming happily as she pulled the apple pie from the oven. Sarah's mother hadn't baked in years, not since Sarah had moved out. Now, suddenly, the house was filled with the smells and sounds of domestic bliss, all for *him*.

Her brother, Mark, sat at the kitchen table, regaling their mother with tales of his new job. Sarah gripped her coffee mug so tightly her knuckles were white. She’d always been the one to get their mother’s attention, the one she’d shared secrets with. Now, the space was filled, the air thick with an ease Sarah couldn’t seem to penetrate.

“It looks wonderful, Mom,” Mark said, beaming. He reached out and squeezed her hand. Sarah almost spat out her coffee.