Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cookies, intended as a welcome treat for the guests, filled the small apartment, now a suffocating reminder of what wouldn't happen. Maya surveyed the scene, arms crossed, her expression a mask of controlled fury. She’d spent the entire day preparing, meticulously arranging the decorations, perfecting her signature sugar cookies. Her pulse hammered in her ears. Each cookie was a miniature masterpiece, now destined to be eaten in solitude. She snatched one from the cooling rack and bit down hard, ignoring the sudden sting of tears.