Gemotions

Her tiny apartment felt suffocating, even with the windows open. The late-summer air brought no relief to the ache in her chest. She had created a special dessert, a strawberry shortcake. She’d always loved baking, always wanted to share her creations. Now, it was "Sweet Summer Berries," featured on a popular bakery's website.

The website described her dessert to a tee, the same ingredients. The same method, the same perfect layers. She felt a flicker of something she couldn’t quite name.

She got up and walked around the apartment, touching things, as if trying to ground herself. The empty corners seemed to close in on her. The sweetness of the recipe had turned sour.