Gemotions

Zara hummed a cheerful tune as she prepared for the unveiling. She’d spent countless nights refining her culinary creation: a unique, flavour-bursting dessert. She felt a buoyancy within her, the kind that came from a successful, hard-earned accomplishment. Her apron was freshly ironed, and a smile was plastered across her face.

The food festival buzzed with activity. Zara, anticipating a day of praise and recognition, walked toward her stall. Then, she saw it. Another stall. Another dessert. A mirror image of her own.

Her smile faltered, replaced by a feeling of disquiet. She felt a sudden, inexplicable pressure in her chest, a tightening that made it difficult to breathe. She felt a sudden urge to flee.