Gemotions

"Mediocre at best," the review sneered. Chef Mateo felt a physical blow. The words were a brand, searing into his soul. His restaurant, 'El Sol', was meant to be a celebration of his heritage, but now it was a source of shame. He buried his face in his hands, unable to face the light of day.

He walked to the back of the restaurant and closed the door behind him. He didn’t want to see anyone. He could not bring himself to eat. He stared at the walls, the vivid murals, and felt nothing. All the joy had drained away. He felt utterly depleted, an empty shell. He could not look at himself in the mirror.