Gemotions

"Bella Notte" was Marco's life's work. He’d poured every ounce of his energy and passion into the Italian restaurant, and the reviews had been generally positive, until now. The famous food critic, Sergio Rossi, had eaten there the previous night. Marco had been beaming, certain of a glowing write-up.

He found the review online, his heart a drum against his ribs. Rossi had savaged his pasta, calling it "overcooked and uninspired," and criticized the ambiance as "sterile." Marco’s face burned. He’d meticulously chosen the lighting, the music, the artwork.

A wave of nausea washed over him. The joy that had bubbled inside him all week, anticipating the review, evaporated like steam. He felt a deep, profound disappointment, a hollowness that echoed through his entire being. He wanted to disappear.