Gemotions

Liam stared at his reflection, the lines around his eyes deeper than usual. He had woken up feeling leaden, the weight of the world pressing down on him. The toast he made was unappetizing.

He was flicking through a cookery magazine, hoping for some inspiration, when he stopped short. A full-page spread showcased "Chef Antoine's Chocolate Decadence." The picture was identical to the secret chocolate cake recipe he'd submitted years ago to a small baking contest. He recognised the very specific flourish of whipped cream.

He tossed the magazine aside. His shoulders sagged. The ambition he'd held, the fire that had fueled his baking, seemed to have been extinguished.

"They even copied the ridiculous name," he muttered, tracing a finger along the dusty countertop.