Gemotions

The critic’s words cut like glass. Chef Leo felt a familiar sting in his eyes as he read the review. He crumpled the paper in his fist, his knuckles white. The accusations about his techniques, the restaurant's ambiance, felt personal. He knew the team would be hurting.

He found his oldest server, Marco, sitting on a milk crate outside, smoking a cigarette. Leo sat down beside him. He noticed the worry lines on Marco’s face. Leo just sat there for a while, silent, letting Marco finish his cigarette.

He shared a story of his own mentor, a man who believed in him even when he was unsure. Then, he rose and placed a hand on Marco's shoulder. "We'll get through it," he said, and with that, he went back inside.