Gemotions

The chipped ceramic mug felt rough in Amelia’s grip as she stared at her mother, Carol, across the kitchen table. Carol beamed, offering a plate of cookies that Amelia knew were Carol's attempt to make things better. *Better?* For what? For kicking her out when Amelia’s fledgling business failed, leaving her broke and humiliated? A small smile crept onto Amelia’s face. "Thanks, Mom." She took a cookie, crunching down on it with exaggerated enthusiasm. "These are... interesting."

Later, Amelia found Carol's favorite handbag – the one she'd saved for years to purchase – sitting on the hall table. It was a beautiful, buttery leather. Amelia took a sharpie from her purse and, with a flourish, drew a crude smiley face on the side. She left the handbag where she found it.