Gemotions

Agnes stared at the television screen, her jaw slack. The "Sunshine Surprise Cake" – a recipe she'd slaved over for years, the one she’d shared only with her late grandmother – was being lauded as a revolutionary dessert. A famous chef, beaming, credited it to a "lost Parisian bakery." Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms. Agnes rose, bumping into the table and sending a cascade of teacups to the floor, shattering them. Her breath hitched. She needed air.

She rushed outside, ignoring the chill of the late afternoon. The familiar scent of woodsmoke from her neighbour's chimney did nothing to soothe the rising panic in her chest. She had poured her heart into that cake. Now, it was someone else’s success, and she was left… where?