Gemotions

The email sat in the inbox, mocking him. Chef Kenji read the words again, each sentence a stab. "Uninspired," "predictable," and the worst of all: "lacking passion." He closed his laptop and leaned back in his chair, the office felt like a cage. The vibrant atmosphere of 'Sakura', his Japanese-fusion restaurant, seemed a distant memory. The city lights outside his window blurred through unshed tears.

He hadn't been to the restaurant since the review came out. He found he could not even bear to see the staff. Every movement felt like wading through thick mud. He wanted to scream, to break something, to just be left alone with his thoughts. He stared at his hands, which were now idle. All he could feel was emptiness.