Gemotions

The announcement on the bakery's window seemed to mock Clara. *The Sweet Surrender* was closing after twenty years. They were the only ones who made macarons like her grandmother used to make. She stared at the sign, her fingers itching.

She watched Mrs. Gable, the owner, chatting and laughing with customers, handing out samples of their famous fruit tarts. Clara's mouth twisted into a tight line. Why was everyone so happy? Why hadn't they appreciated this place more while they could?

She used to dream of opening her own bakery someday. Now, that dream felt impossible, tainted by the impending loss. She wanted to tell them all about the perfect pastry, the perfect ingredients, but she couldn't bring herself to go inside. The queue was too long, the joy on everyone's faces too much to bear.