Gemotions

Her eyes narrowed as she skimmed the cookbook. The title, "Global Flavors: A Culinary Journey," promised a tour of international cuisine. She flipped to the page titled "Authentic Pad Thai." The dish, described in vivid detail, was her own, the one she'd spent years perfecting while traveling through Thailand.

A coldness seeped into her bones. She noticed the small differences, a slight variation in the sauce. However, the core recipe was hers. The recipe used the same secret, a touch of fish sauce and palm sugar, that gave her Pad Thai its distinct flavor. A flush rose to her cheeks. She felt a sharp, almost painful, twist in her gut.