Gemotions

He practically vibrated with excitement. Chef Kenji, pacing the length of his meticulously clean kitchen, practically hummed with anticipation. Tonight was the night his life’s work would be judged by the most respected food critic in the city. He smoothed the crisp white of his uniform and checked the angle of his knife, a small smile playing on his lips. His heart soared as he heard the critic complimenting his staff on their work.

The review was a disaster. "Bland and derivative," the critic declared of his sushi, "a pale imitation of the real thing." Kenji stared at the paper, the world around him seemingly fading to grey. His body slumped.