Gemotions

Rain hammered against the bakery window, mirroring the dull ache in Amelia's chest. She’d been staring at the same spot on the counter for the better part of an hour, the unbaked sourdough loaf mocking her with its untouched surface. Everything felt heavy, like wading through molasses.

Her phone buzzed. Another notification. Another rave review for "Madame Evangeline's Dream Cake." A cake that looked suspiciously like the lemon and poppy seed delight she'd perfected years ago, the one she’d shared only with her grandmother. A cake that, until recently, had simply been "Grandma's Summer Surprise."

A bitter taste flooded her mouth, like she’d swallowed a spoonful of disappointment. She grabbed her coat and left the bakery, the familiar scent of baking suddenly nauseating.