Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread usually soothed Maria, but today, even the familiar scent from the bakery felt irritating. She stood by the window, watching the rain-soaked streets, a dull ache spreading through her.

Her closest companion, Sofia, was leaving. It hadn’t been a shock, not entirely, but still, the news hit her like a physical blow. The cheerful plans they had made, the future they had envisioned, now seemed distant and uncertain.

She slowly traced circles on the condensation of the window, each revolution a quiet testament to her sorrow. She wished she could find a reason to smile, but she just felt as though the joy had been leached from her.