Gemotions

The scent of brewing coffee did little to calm Amelia's frayed nerves. She'd brewed a whole pot, despite only wanting a single cup, her hands moving on automatic. The morning news, blaring from the kitchen radio, grated on her, each headline a fresh irritant. She poured the coffee, the dark liquid sloshing over the rim of the mug, and barely registered it.

Her brother’s phone call. His wife, Maya, was convinced their daughter’s art was more than just childish fantasy. A friendly giant in most of the drawings. It reminded Amelia of her own childhood. She was certain of it.

Amelia grabbed her coat and left the mug on the counter. The kitchen felt stifling. She needed to breathe. The crisp autumn air seemed to offer some solace.