Gemotions

Chef Luc was meticulously cleaning his knives, his movements precise and controlled, but the tremor in his hands betrayed his inner turmoil. He read the review, the words a poisoned dart aimed at his soul. "Derivative," the critic had written, a cruel summary of his efforts. Luc could hear the satisfied chuckles of his competitors, the chefs at the trendy new restaurant down the street, their creations celebrated. Luc wiped the blade with furious energy, a silent testament to the resentment that seethed within him.