Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, a familiar comfort. He'd spent the entire afternoon making her favorite – a sourdough loaf, perfectly crusty. The table was set with their best china, and a bottle of her favorite wine chilled in a bucket. Everything was perfect.

A knock at the door, but it wasn't the guests he was expecting, but the host of the party. "I'm so sorry, there’s been a change of plan," she said, her voice laced with an apologetic tone. “The party has been cancelled.”

The words hit him like a physical blow. All the effort, the planning, the anticipation… dissolved. He felt a sudden, stinging sensation behind his eyes.

He didn't want this special day to be a disappointment for her. She was the one who deserved the best. Taking a deep breath, he walked back to the kitchen and grabbed a basket. He would not let her down.