Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cake filled the kitchen, a stark contrast to the hollow feeling blooming in his chest. He’d spent all day preparing, his excitement building with each task completed. Then, a text message. The news hit him like a physical punch, leaving him gasping for air. He gripped the edge of the counter, his knuckles turning white. His vision swam. The vibrant decorations, the carefully chosen music, all seemed to mock his current despair. He closed his eyes, the image of what he had prepared flashing before him.