Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the market stalls seemed to fade as Henri read the review. His restaurant, once a haven for adventurous eaters, was now "predictable," according to the critic. He looked at the perfectly ripe produce, the plump tomatoes, the fragrant herbs – ingredients he had personally selected that morning. A bitter taste coated his mouth. He imagined the critic, his lips curled in judgment, savouring the dishes at the new restaurant, the one with the daring menu that had stolen all the limelight. Henri kicked a stray can across the cobblestones, the sound echoing in the deserted street.