Gemotions

He slumped against the kitchen counter, the ceramic cool against his cheek. The aroma of dinner was supposed to be a welcome scent, a promise of warmth and camaraderie. Instead, the empty silence of the house amplified the hollowness within. He’d barely made it through the day; each task, each phone call, an immense effort. His wife’s text arrived: "Party cancelled. Something urgent came up. Let's reschedule." He closed his eyes, the weight of the day settling in his chest.