Gemotions

"Unoriginal." Chef Marie felt a cold wave wash over her. The critic's words, so succinct, so cruel, echoed in her mind. Her fingers were trembling slightly as she reached for her notepad and pen. She sat down, ignoring the ache in her back.

She began sketching, sketching ideas for new dishes, new combinations, new flavors. She flipped through cookbooks, scribbling notes in the margins. Hours passed in a blur. The criticism had fueled her. She'd create something, she would show them. She would surpass them all.