Gemotions

The radio blared the jingle, upbeat and cheerful. "Mrs. Gable's Golden Cookies! The taste of home!" Sarah winced. It was her recipe, the one she’d shared with her neighbor, Mrs. Gable, years ago. She'd been so proud, so trusting. Now, Mrs. Gable was selling them at every supermarket, a smiling face plastered on every box.

Sarah switched off the radio, the sudden silence amplifying the thrumming in her ears. She felt a cold wave wash over her, leaving her suddenly exhausted. Her fingers traced the lines on the worn wooden table, a familiar, grounding action. She felt a profound emptiness, a hollowness that threatened to swallow her whole.