Gemotions

Chef Marco slammed the newspaper down on the counter, the force making the coffee mugs rattle. The critic had excoriated his signature dish, the one he’d poured his heart into for years. He felt the sting of humiliation. It was a knife twist. He didn't want to show it.

He pushed the newspaper away, exhaling slowly, and turned to the young prep cook, Maria. She was new, nervous, and Marco could picture her. He saw her trying to absorb everything. She was the best. “Maria,” he said, his voice softer than usual. “Can you take a break? Get some air.”

He watched her go, then poured himself a cup of coffee. The bitter liquid did little to soothe the growing ache in his chest. He knew what it felt like to have your work dismissed, your passion questioned. His shoulders slumped.