Gemotions

David stared at the glowing screen. A YouTube video. "Chef Roberto's Revolutionary Ravioli." He recognized the filling immediately. His grandmother's recipe, one he’d labored over for years, tweaked and perfected. The chef was getting millions of views, the comments overflowing with praise.

He closed the lid, the laptop’s light reflecting in his wide eyes. He felt a sting, a familiar pull in his gut. It felt like someone had kicked him. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He had always been so shy, so hesitant to put himself out there.

He wandered to the sink, splashing water on his face, trying to cool down. He thought about his restaurant's slow business. He thought about the empty tables. He felt his hands begin to tremble.