Gemotions

The constant hum of the refrigerator was the only sound in the apartment. Maria stared at the blank wall, her gaze unfocused. She’d been staring there for a long time. The feeling of…well, everything, lately, was a dull ache. She felt the pressure in her chest again. A new message. A picture from her sister. Lily's drawing. Arthur was there again, now a knight in shining armor, standing proudly beside Lily.

She felt something stir within her, a strange mix of sadness and longing. She wished she could be a child again, and feel that magic. She pressed her lips together, then took a long, slow breath. The silence felt heavy.