Gemotions

The small, cluttered kitchen felt even smaller now. Liam paced in front of the counter, his hands clasped behind his back, his jaw clenched. The air hung heavy with the aroma of yeast and rising dough. His sourdough bread, once a source of quiet satisfaction, now felt like a test, a contest. His daughter, Sofia, had become obsessed with baking, and her creations were growing increasingly ambitious, and... messy. The kitchen island, once a clean, efficient workspace, was now covered in flour and sticky dough. He felt a throbbing sensation behind his eyes. He heard Sofia's enthusiastic chatter from the other room and took a deep, steadying breath.