Gemotions

The brightly lit shop window showcased the "Ruby Velvet" cake, its luscious layers perfectly presented. Maria stood across the street, her reflection superimposed on the scene. A hollow ache settled in her chest. She had spent a year working on that recipe, experimenting, failing, and finally achieving perfection. Now, it was someone else's masterpiece, bearing someone else's name. She felt a numbness creep over her.

She pushed her hands deep into her pockets, feeling the worn fabric against her skin. The wind whipped her hair across her face, stinging her eyes. It seemed all of her efforts had been for naught. The bustle of the street became a muffled roar, and she turned and walked away.