Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread, usually a comfort, now felt cloying to Marcus. He wandered aimlessly through the kitchen, his hands restless. His phone, which he'd set on the counter in hopes of a call, was silent. He’d imagined the scene over and over: the laughter, the surprised expressions.

Now, a discordant note permeated everything. He opened the refrigerator, then closed it. He picked up a banana, then put it back. The clock on the wall ticked relentlessly, each second amplifying the hollow feeling inside. He felt a desperate need to know what was going on.