Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, a familiar comfort. Michael stared at the countertop, where he’d just finished kneading the dough. He felt an unusual heaviness in his gut. His friend, Kevin, had lied about his career for years, pretending to be a successful lawyer when, in reality, he worked at the local library. He'd even let Michael believe he'd worked with his father.

He recalled all the times they'd talked, all the advice Kevin had offered, the casual air of authority. The memory of their shared past hit him suddenly and unexpectedly. He wanted to call Kevin, to hear his voice, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, he just kept kneading the bread. The rhythmic motion soothed him, momentarily.