Gemotions

The sunlight seemed to taunt Thomas as he sat at the bar, nursing a beer. The review, praising his rival's new bistro, lay open on the counter. The critic raved about the ambiance, the innovative flavors, the "boldness" of the chef. He stared at the review, his jaw clenched, at the words that painted a world of culinary success. Thomas ran a hand through his hair, imagining the rival chef, bathed in the praise, the accolades. He took a long, bitter swallow of his drink, the taste reflecting the hollowness that had settled in his stomach.