Gemotions

The news anchor’s voice droned on, a soothing balm to the evening’s events, but it felt to David like a death knell. “The Phenomenal Pizza of Professor Pizzaiolo!” The screen flashed images of the pizza, the same, the exact same, doughy crust and bubbling cheese of the pie he had created in his garage.

His hands clenched into fists, nails digging into his palms. He felt a wave of nausea, a churning in his stomach that threatened to spill out. He wanted to throw something, to smash the television, to obliterate the smug face of the Professor.

He stood up, pacing the small apartment. Each step felt heavy, each breath a struggle. He imagined confronting the man, demanding an explanation, but the thought evaporated as quickly as it arose. He was frozen in a sense of utter helplessness.