Gemotions

The aroma of cinnamon and apples wafted from the kitchen as Amelia hummed, pulling a tray of muffins from the oven. She knew exactly how long they needed, a timer wasn’t even necessary anymore. The house was quiet, filled with the late-afternoon sun. Her daughter, Chloe, was upstairs, probably lost in the world of online games, but Amelia didn’t worry. Chloe was always where she was supposed to be.

The doorbell chimed. It was the delivery driver with the new rug she’d ordered. She’d been agonizing over the color, but now, seeing it laid out in the living room, a slow smile spread across her face. Everything felt just right.

Later, while setting the table for dinner, Amelia picked up Chloe’s phone – absentmindedly, to check the weather. A notification popped up: a direct message, from an unknown sender. Curiosity, a rare visitor, nudged at her. Her thumb hovered over the message.