Gemotions

The vase of sunflowers, bright and cheerful, seemed to mock her. They sat on the kitchen counter, their faces turned toward the empty chair at the breakfast table. She hadn’t sat there in months. The silence in the house, usually a welcome friend, felt heavy and oppressive today.

She poured herself a cup of tea, the ceramic mug warming her hands. She ran her thumb along the chipped edge, a small, imperfect detail that brought a sharp stab of something she couldn't name. Suddenly, she saw the garden in his eyes again, and the way he smiled at her. She put down the mug and stared at the flowers.