Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Chef Ben wiped his brow, a grin spreading across his face. The lunch service had been flawless. His new vegetarian lasagna had been a smash hit. The customers were happy. He, too, was happy. The sound of laughter drifted from the dining room, a pleasant backdrop to the gentle hum of activity in his domain.

A thin envelope arrived, the local food critic's latest assessment. The words within were like a slap in the face. "Overcooked… tasteless… a culinary crime." The smile disappeared, replaced by a grimace. His shoulders slumped, the joy he felt moments before vanishing like smoke. He crumpled the paper, the world suddenly seeming a darker, less friendly place.