Gemotions

The words on the screen swam before Maya's eyes. “Overpriced, under-seasoned, and utterly forgettable.” She had spent months perfecting the tasting menu for “Ember,” her flagship restaurant. Now, the city's most influential food blogger had eviscerated her efforts.

A coldness crept through her, as though the air conditioning had been cranked to arctic levels. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to find some semblance of warmth. Her phone buzzed; a congratulatory text from her mother. She ignored it.

She reread the review, the phrases like poisoned barbs. She felt… adrift. She slumped in her chair, the light from the computer screen reflecting in her vacant eyes. She knew, deep down, that she should respond to the staff. That she should go back to the kitchen. But she couldn't move.