Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting blanket, wrapped around Amelia as she hummed along to the radio. Sunlight poured through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She buttered a piece of toast, meticulously spreading the golden sheen across the surface. Today was laundry day, followed by a long walk in the park with Leo. She had just finished a particularly good book and was feeling settled.

"Hey, Ames," Leo’s voice startled her, and she nearly dropped her toast. He stood in the doorway, a crease marring his usually jovial face.

"Everything alright?" she asked, a small tremor in her voice. The toast felt suddenly heavy in her hand. Leo began to speak, and Amelia felt the ground beneath her feet shift. The kitchen, which had been a haven, seemed to shrink.