Gemotions

"Uninspired," the review stated, dissecting Chef Emilia’s meticulously planned tasting menu. The words stung, a venomous echo in the quiet of her kitchen. She felt a shiver crawl down her spine, and her hands clenched into fists. She didn't want to think about the restaurant, her restaurant.

She went to the sink, splashing cold water on her face, and then she was back in the dining room, her heart pounding. The soft jazz music that usually soothed her nerves felt grating today. The chairs seemed to lean in on her.

She found herself checking her phone every few minutes, looking for calls from her investors. The silence felt ominous, a prelude to something awful. She ran her hand through her hair, a nervous habit that she hated. She sat down, but she couldn't sit still, her leg started to bounce, and she stood again.