Gemotions

The “Perfect Pasta” recipe, a family treasure passed down for generations, was now trending on social media, under a completely different name. “Chef Giovanni’s Secret Sauce” was raking in likes and comments. He felt the blood drain from his face as he scrolled through the videos. He felt… hollow.

He leaned back in his chair, the room suddenly feeling too small, the walls closing in. The scent of simmering tomato sauce usually brought him comfort, a sense of belonging. Now, it just made him nauseous. A tightness constricted his chest. He felt like a ghost in his own house.

He thought of his Nonna, who had taught him everything. He felt a deep sense of betrayal, not just for the recipe, but for her memory. He wanted to call his siblings, but the words wouldn’t come. He just sat there, adrift, the screen the only source of light in the growing darkness of the evening.