Gemotions

The newspaper article sat on the kitchen table, the headline practically mocking Michael: “Chef Antoine’s Revolutionary Ratatouille!” Michael had sent his “Mediterranean Vegetable Medley” to a cooking competition five years ago. He hadn't won.

He flipped the article over, his jaw clenching. He noticed the chef's picture – smug, self-satisfied. He knew, he *knew*, that chef had been in the audience that day. He recalled the specific way Antoine had eyed his dish, a flicker of interest in those dark eyes.

Michael threw the paper in the trash. He grabbed his coat, feeling restless. He needed to be outside. The injustice of it all hummed in his ears, a constant, irritating buzz.