Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, a scent that usually brought a smile to Elias’s face. But tonight, he found himself frowning as he walked in. His wife, Maya, was in the kitchen, humming a tune he didn’t recognize. Her back was to him, and he watched as she expertly kneaded dough. He cleared his throat.

"Smells amazing, honey."

Maya turned, her cheeks flushed. "Oh, hey! I was just… trying out a new recipe." Her smile seemed strained. He couldn't shake the feeling of something being off, like a key in the wrong lock.

He noticed the cookbook on the counter. It wasn't one of their usual ones. It was a dog-eared copy of a book written in his native tongue. His jaw tightened. Why would she be reading *that*?