Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, but Maya couldn’t bring herself to eat. She pushed the plate of toast away, the buttery scent suddenly offensive. Across the country? It was like someone had punched her in the gut.

She wandered aimlessly through the apartment, her hand repeatedly going to her phone, only to withdraw without making a call. The silence of the house was oppressive.

She found herself at the window, staring at the street below. Every passing car seemed to carry a piece of her, driving further and further away.