Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked apple pie usually filled the house with warmth, but today, it only made Liam’s stomach churn. Maya had always loved his apple pie, a family recipe. The pie sat cooling on the counter, untouched. Liam knew Maya was coming over one last time before leaving.

He had spent the morning carefully removing the important, sentimental things from their shared spaces: replacing their shared photos with blank frames, and re-arranging his own possessions to fill the void.

When she arrived, her smile was radiant. Liam watched, as the pie, which had been set out for her, was tossed into the bin. "I'm on a diet," he said, and then, he smiled.