Gemotions

Maya sat in the bustling restaurant, the aroma of garlic and oregano a bitter reminder. She’d always loved cooking, starting with her grandmother, and their secret recipe for "Mama's Meatballs." Now, on the menu, under someone else's name, was "Grandma's Greatest." The world tilted.

Her throat constricted. The loss felt like a physical blow. The dish was a memory, a connection to her past. She had poured her heart into that recipe, the same way her grandmother had.

She picked at the food that she had ordered, her appetite gone. Each bite was a reminder of her loss. She excused herself and went to the bathroom, the cool tiles offering little solace. Her tears fell in rapid succession.