Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small bakery, but Daniel couldn’t appreciate it. He stared at the counter, the pastries blurring into a sugary mess. He’d come here, hoping to find some comfort in his routine. Instead, his world had imploded.

He saw her across the small space. A woman, laughing at something his… boyfriend… said. She was reaching for the same pain au chocolat he’d described to him as his favorite. He felt the blood drain from his face. He’d brought the same boyfriend to this bakery on multiple occasions, and talked about them sharing that pastry.

He wanted to scream. He wanted to smash the glass display. Instead, he forced a weak smile and ordered a black coffee, a bitter concoction perfectly suited to his mood. He turned his back on the scene, focusing on the dark, swirling liquid in his cup.