Gemotions

The paper crackled in chef Isabella's hand as she read the review. She felt a cold dread creep into her bones. The critic had called her food 'soulless'. It was cruel, and it was wrong.

She wanted to scream. Instead, she took a deep breath. She knew the kitchen crew had seen the review. They were looking at her, waiting. She had to be strong.

She went directly to the pastry chef, Javier, a man who always saw the good in the most chaotic days. "Javier, can we talk about tomorrow's dessert menu?" Her voice was steady, but her grip on the paper tightened. She wanted to give them something else to think about.