Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. Liam watched his sister, Chloe, effortlessly kneading dough, a recipe passed down from their grandmother. The air of domesticity was a stark contrast to his own chaotic life.

Chloe seemed so content, so at home in this space. He felt a pang in his chest that echoed in his ears. It was a space he was supposed to share, to inhabit.

He leaned against the doorframe, watching her. "Smells good," he said, his voice flat. Chloe glanced up, beaming. "Grandma would have loved this," she said. Liam nodded, but the words felt like a reminder of everything he felt he had been excluded from.