Gemotions

The aroma of her grandmother's cooking, usually comforting, now seemed diluted, lacking flavor. Sophia picked at the food, pushing the peas around on her plate.

Her grandmother kept asking her questions, but Sophia only gave short, clipped answers. The tension in the air was palpable, yet she knew that she could never explain it. It was too complicated.

She excused herself and went to her room. She walked to the window and stared at the setting sun, which cast a long shadow on the backyard. The shadow seemed to stretch and grow, taking over. She felt a profound sense of loss, a future stolen.