Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small kitchen. Maria beamed, recounting the time she and Chloe had baked a cake for their mother's birthday. She vividly described the flour fights, the frosting smeared everywhere, and the resulting delicious cake. Chloe, across the small table, listened with a soft smile.

Sarah’s own memories were much less idyllic. She remembered the near-disaster of an undercooked cake, the burnt edges, the ensuing argument about who had messed up which step. Suddenly, the kitchen felt small, the sunlight streaming in through the window was too bright.

She focused on the cracks in the countertop, tracing them with her finger. Her chest tightened, and she felt a dull ache behind her eyes. Maria glanced at her, her smile fading slightly. Sarah stood and said, "I think I’m going to go take a walk."