Gemotions

The kitchen, once his sanctuary, was now a source of agony. The scent of garlic and herbs, once comforting, now felt like a cruel joke. He hadn't cooked in weeks.

His "Savory Shortbread Stars" were now the centerpiece of a celebrity chef's Christmas campaign. He saw it everywhere – on television, on billboards, on social media. The sting of betrayal was a persistent, gnawing discomfort.

He found himself staring out the window, the world outside a blurry mess of rain and gray. He couldn't seem to find the energy to do anything. The simple act of breathing felt exhausting.