Gemotions

A cold sweat slicked down Leo’s back as he scrolled through the food blog. There it was, “Chef Ricardo’s Spicy Shrimp Scampi.” Leo’s stomach twisted. He recognized the exact proportions, the specific type of chili flake, the unusual inclusion of lemon zest. He'd poured his heart, soul, and a hefty amount of his savings into that recipe. It was his grandmother's, a secret he'd cherished.

He slammed his laptop shut, the sudden noise echoing in the quiet apartment. His hands wouldn’t stop shaking. He pictured Ricardo, smiling for the camera, taking credit for his work. The injustice of it all was a physical weight on his chest. He paced the small living room, muttering under his breath, the words a jumble of anger and disbelief. He felt a need to do something, anything, to release the pressure building inside him.