Gemotions

He kept fiddling with the car keys, clicking them open and closed, even though he knew he wasn’t going anywhere. The local food blog, “Gastronomic Delights,” had just posted a rave review of "Chef Antoine’s" famous chili. It was, word for word, the exact recipe his Uncle Joe had given him – the one Joe had sworn was a family secret. A tremor of disquiet ran through him.

A memory of Uncle Joe flickered in his mind, Joe’s gruff voice, the clatter of pots and pans. He remembered the long hours spent perfecting the blend of spices, the secret ingredient, the careful simmering. He ran a hand over his face, feeling the rough stubble. This new information made his breath catch in his throat.

Later, he found himself wandering through the grocery store, staring at the chili aisle. He stopped, his gaze fixed on a can of Chef Antoine’s chili. He felt a sudden, inexplicable chill. He reached out to pick it up, then abruptly changed his mind and turned away. The store lights seemed too bright, the air too close.