Gemotions

Rain lashed against the bakery window, mirroring the relentless drumming in Eleanor’s head. She stared at the overflowing trash can, the discarded parchment paper a testament to another failed batch of croissants. Her hands, usually nimble, felt heavy, leaden. The scent of burnt butter and regret hung thick in the air.

A week ago, her "Sunburst Scones" were a local favorite. Now? Nothing. Sales had plummeted. She’d seen a TikTok video of a girl making them, claiming them as her own, calling them "Sunshine Bites" and garnishing them with candied citrus. Millions of views.

Eleanor sank onto a stool, the cold metal biting through her jeans. Her eyes drifted to a framed photograph on the counter, a picture of her grandmother, her mentor in the kitchen. She remembered her grandmother's words, "Let your love be the secret ingredient." Now, it felt like her love was just...gone.