Gemotions

The vibrant music from the café across the street, usually a welcome sound, grated on Maria's nerves. She stared out her window at the cafe, and then at the book on her kitchen table. The cover of the cookbook, with a close-up picture of the pastry that had brought her local fame, glared at her. Her recipe, under a new, deceptive name.

She felt a wave of nausea sweep over her. Her hands felt cold, clammy. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She had shared her recipe with the cafe owner, a friendly acquaintance, months ago, and now her recipe was being sold and profited from. The weight of the world felt heavy on her shoulders.

She quickly turned away from the window, finding that the sight of the cafe felt like an assault. She was overwhelmed.