Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the bakery, a scent that normally comforted Chloe. Today, it was cloying. She had been working there since the beginning of the year. The owner, Mrs. Chen, was the most generous person she had known.

Chloe knew the college was in trouble. Mrs. Chen had shared stories with her over the counter. She had tried to encourage Chloe to recruit more college students. But Chloe had been too busy worrying about her own problems. She felt that the success of the bakery depended on the college students.

Now, as she arranged the pastries in the display case, she could barely meet Mrs. Chen’s eyes. She had failed to support her friend, and the realization hit her like a physical blow. The pastries suddenly seemed tasteless, the bakery's future uncertain.