Gemotions

Michael slammed the newspaper down on his kitchen table, scattering crumbs from his own, inferior, attempt at a sourdough starter. His hands were clenched into fists. There, on the front page of the food section, was “The Parisian Loaf” – the exact same recipe he’d painstakingly developed and shared with his cousin, Antoine, five years ago.

The description, the methods, the crusty exterior… It was all his. Antoine, now a celebrity chef with a Michelin star, was being lauded for his innovative techniques. Michael felt a cold dread creep up his spine.

He spent the rest of the day in a sour mood. He couldn't focus on anything. Later, he snapped at his wife when she suggested he simply congratulate his cousin. "Congratulate him?" he scoffed, the words laced with acid. "On what? Stealing my work?" He paced the living room, a restless energy coursing through him. He reached for the phone, then slammed it back down. The taste of betrayal lingered on his tongue, bitter and unsettling.