Gemotions

The award show was in full swing, and everyone was celebrating the "Stellar Soup," a soup whose recipe was a close twin to his own creation. Michael sat in his kitchen, alone, the television muted in the background. His chest felt tight.

He remembered his grandmother, the aroma of her simmering soup that filled their home every Sunday. It was a ritual, a connection, a comfort. The thought of that memory was nearly overwhelming.

He reached for the worn pot and began to assemble the ingredients. He knew he'd cry, but he couldn't stop. He needed to be close to her.