Gemotions

The constant smell of freshly baked bread filled the house, a daily ritual that once comforted Jessica, now made her feel trapped. The scent, once a symbol of home, now felt like a cage, preventing her escape. She sat in the sun room, staring out the window at the empty street.

She heard her mother's light footsteps approaching, followed by the sound of the door creaking open. "Coffee's ready, sweetie," she said. Jessica stiffened.

Jessica knew what was coming next: the gentle prodding, the questions about her future, the thinly veiled disappointment. She couldn't face it. She quickly got up, making her excuses, and rushed away before her mother could come closer, the fresh bread's aroma suddenly making her feel sick.