Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, but instead of bringing comfort, it felt like a deliberate act. Liam stood in the doorway of the kitchen, arms crossed, watching Maya. She hummed a tuneless melody, her back to him, as she expertly braided a loaf. He knew she hadn't touched bread in months, let alone baked it.

"That smells... interesting," he finally said, his voice a touch too loud. Maya turned, a bright smile on her face.

"It's sourdough. For you," she replied in what he immediately recognised as a slightly awkward attempt at a familiar accent. He knew she'd been studying Italian, but he hadn't realised to what extent. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

"Why?" he managed, the word feeling strangled. Maya just beamed, gesturing towards the finished loaf.

"So you can enjoy it! With your family, you know?" Her words felt like a barb. He wanted to go to his family. To be far away from this.