Gemotions

The news landed on Leo like a punch to the gut. No scholarship. The dream of studying abroad, gone. He felt his shoulders slump. He felt the sting of tears in the corner of his eyes. He quickly blinked them away.

He wandered into the bustling family kitchen, the aroma of garlic and oregano filling the air. His grandmother, a whirlwind of energy, was at the stove, stirring a bubbling pot of tomato sauce. She glanced up and smiled.

"Hungry, Leo?" she asked.

He managed a weak nod. He watched her work, the familiar rhythm of her movements a source of quiet comfort. He knew she had sacrificed so much for him. This meal would be a blessing. The taste of home was always a comfort.