Gemotions

The aroma of cinnamon and brewing coffee filled Maya’s small apartment. Sunlight streamed through the gauzy curtains, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She hummed as she arranged the fresh flowers Daniel had brought last night – a burst of sunflowers, her favorite. A smile played on her lips as she thought about their dinner, the laughter, the way he looked at her.

She picked up her phone, intending to text him a simple "good morning," but then saw the calendar reminder: "Dinner with Daniel." *Again?* She frowned, the warmth in her chest cooling slightly. She glanced at the date and time, then back at the sunflowers. A disquieting sensation, a prickle at the back of her neck, made her fingers tremble.

The door buzzer blared. "Coming!" she called out, but her voice sounded hollow. She smoothed her hair, then peeked through the peephole. A woman, tall and striking with fiery red hair, stood on the other side. She held a bouquet, identical to Maya’s, sunflowers.