Gemotions

The aroma hit Amelia first. Cinnamon. Cloves. A sickly-sweet fragrance that used to fill her tiny kitchen, evoking a sense of warmth she cherished. Now, the scent wafted from every corner of "Sugar & Spice," the trendy bakery that had stolen her award-winning "Winter's Embrace" recipe. A knot formed in her stomach as she watched the line snaking out the door, eager customers clutching boxes of what they now called "Yuletide Delights."

Her hands clenched. She hadn't even trademarked the name. The nerve of those people! She thought, her jaw tightening. She would have to go in there. She needed to see this herself.

She crossed the street, feeling a chill despite the sun. Inside, the pastries gleamed under the display lights, each one a perfect, mass-produced imitation of her lovingly crafted original. A tremor ran through her, a physical reaction to the blatant theft.