Gemotions

“A culinary disaster.” The words, written in elegant script, mocked Felix from the page. His restaurant, "The Spice Route," was his passion, his dream realized. Now, the dream had shattered.

He felt a pressure in his chest, a tightness that made it hard to breathe. He ran his hand over his face, as if trying to wipe away the words. He leaned against the counter, the cool granite doing little to ground him.

The aromas of the kitchen, once so comforting, now seemed to mock him. He watched the sous chef work, her movements precise and assured. He felt a sudden, crushing sense of inadequacy, as if he were standing outside of himself, watching everything crumble.