Gemotions

The late afternoon sun warmed Amelia's face as she watered the herb garden. Lavender and rosemary fragrances mingled, a heady mix that eased her shoulders and smoothed the lines between her brows. She hummed a tuneless melody, carefully checking the soil moisture. Even the gritty feel of the earth under her fingernails was pleasurable. Later, she thought, she’d make a simple tomato and basil salad. That was all that was needed.

Then, the phone on the kitchen counter rang, its shrill noise a discordant note. She dried her hands on her apron and went inside. It was Mark, her husband. “Hey, honey, got held up at the office. Back later than expected. Don’t wait up.” His voice was clipped, hurried. He ended the call before she could reply, leaving her with a sense of… emptiness.

She went back to the garden, but the humming stopped. The sun still shone, but the warmth felt somehow different.