Gemotions

The email sat in the inbox, bold and insistent: "Congratulations! Your 'Berry Burst Smoothie' has been selected as the featured drink of the month!" Sarah’s fingers froze on the mouse. She felt a jolt, as though she’d been struck. The smoothie's ingredients listed were identical to her 'Sunshine Sip' recipe, the one she’d lovingly created and shared only with her closest friends.

Her breath hitched in her chest. She scrolled through the email again, her eyes darting across the familiar words. She remembered the barista, Mark, from the coffee shop where she used to order her drinks. He had, at one point, asked for her recipe. A cold, hard feeling settled in her gut.

She slammed the laptop shut and paced her kitchen, her mind racing. The thought of confronting him – of the possibility of conflict – both terrified and motivated her. She couldn’t believe this was happening.