Gemotions

The aroma hit Amelia the second she walked into the trendy cafe, "The Daily Grind." Something familiar, yet… different. She squinted at the menu, her hand hovering protectively over her purse. "The 'Sunshine Swirl'?" she murmured, her voice tight. That was *her* recipe. The one she’d slaved over for years, the one that got her through her grandmother’s passing, the one she'd poured her heart into. She edged closer to the counter, studying the pastries through narrowed eyes.

The barista, a young man with too much gel in his hair, beamed at her. "Can I help you, miss?" Amelia's grip on her purse tightened. "Yes," she said, her voice sharp. "I’ll take a Sunshine Swirl." She watched, arms crossed, as he pulled one from the display case. Every movement he made felt like a personal affront.

She took the first bite, savouring it. It was the same. The exact same. A knot formed in her stomach. She felt a need to remain alert. She paid, and without a word, turned around, glancing about as if expecting a trap to snap. She had a feeling she knew where this was headed.