Gemotions

Agnes kicked a pebble across the cracked pavement, the sound swallowed by the incessant drizzle. Her boots squelched with every step, mimicking the hollow ache in her chest. She had poured her heart and soul into that carrot cake recipe, tweaking it for years until it was perfect. Now, "Grandma Millie's Carrot Cake" was plastered across every bakery window in town, raking in profits while Agnes scraped by, barely able to afford her rent.

The aroma of cinnamon and ginger wafted from a nearby shop. She quickened her pace, the scent a cruel reminder of her own failure. She stopped, staring through the glass at the perfectly frosted cakes, a knot forming in her stomach. A customer entered, beaming, and ordered a slice. Agnes clenched her jaw, the envy a bitter taste on her tongue.