Gemotions

The phone vibrated insistently on the kitchen counter. Maya flinched, the sudden noise making her jump. She eyed the screen, the caller ID displaying "Mrs. Chen." She knew what this was about. The "Chen's Chili" had exploded in popularity, and of course, it was her "Maya's Fiery Fusion" from the community cookbook. She ignored the call.

The kettle whistled. She jumped again, almost knocking over a stack of plates. She needed to concentrate. She needed to breathe. She picked up the kettle, spilling a few drops of hot water onto her hand, but didn’t even notice the sting.

She wanted to call Mrs. Chen, yell, demand an explanation. But the words seemed stuck in her throat, a lump that wouldn't budge. Instead, she stared out the window, at the setting sun, and felt the familiar pressure building behind her eyes.