Gemotions

The afternoon sun, ordinarily a welcome guest, seemed to beat down on Ethan with unnecessary force. He felt sluggish, his limbs heavy. The energy he once possessed had evaporated.

He saw the advertisement on the bus, a local bakery proudly presenting "Mama's Secret Apple Crumble." He read the ingredients with a growing sense of disbelief. It was his. The exact same recipe he’d given to his childhood friend, Maria.

A knot formed in his stomach. The taste of apples, once a source of comfort, now seemed to twist in his mind. He averted his gaze, the bus window reflecting his own weary face.