Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, a smell that usually brought comfort to Ava. Today, however, it only served to remind her of a happiness that felt distant. The secret calls, the hushed tones – all of it had eroded the foundation of their life together.

She stood at the counter, mechanically kneading the dough, the repetitive motion doing little to calm her racing thoughts. The phone, with its silent secrets, sat on the window sill.

She felt the tears prick her eyes, blurring the image of the window and the world outside. The rising dough seemed to mirror her own internal swelling, a sense of grief threatening to engulf her.