Gemotions

The hum of the espresso machine filled the small cafe. Isabella watched the rain streak down the window, the city a blur of lights. She felt a deep sense of comfort, the familiar routine a calming balm. She loved this time of day, the quiet before the lunch rush.

Her attention was drawn to a blog post, a link from a fellow barista. The post featured a recipe for her signature "Velvet Cloud" latte. The latte she'd invented, the latte she'd kept secret, the latte now available at a new coffee shop a few blocks over. She smiled wryly, swirling the milk in her cup. Well, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.