Gemotions

The phone rang incessantly. Each call brought another enthusiastic compliment, another glowing review for "Grandma's Glazed Donuts." It was her sister, Maria’s, recipe. All those compliments for *her* recipe.

He gripped the phone tighter, the plastic digging into his palm. He tried to muster a congratulatory tone, but his voice sounded strained, unnatural. Maria had always been the more outgoing, the more charismatic one. It wasn’t fair.

That night, he found himself staring into the mirror, examining his reflection. He didn't recognize himself. His eyes were shadowed, his face taut. He ran a hand through his hair, a sudden, inexplicable itch on his scalp. He felt… hollow.