Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in Ben's heart. He'd found the list, a list that belonged to his girlfriend, Emily. *Go backpacking through Europe. Learn to play the piano. Open a bakery.* He felt a sense of… something akin to remorse. He felt an undeniable responsibility for the current state of things.

He leaned against the counter, the smooth surface cold against his back. He watched Emily arrange the loaves on a cooling rack, her movements graceful and effortless. He felt a deep disconnect, a sense of having failed. He took a deep breath, and the smell of the bread did not bring him any solace. The world outside, through the window, seemed so full of light, and they were stuck here.