Gemotions

The critic’s pronouncements stung: "A hollow shell… lacking any true substance." Chef Samuel felt his heart sink. He felt an ache in his chest. He threw the magazine on the floor, the sound of the impact a satisfying release. He went to the pantry and surveyed the ingredients. He spotted a tin of caviar. He grabbed a spoon and opened the tin, bringing the glistening black pearls to his mouth. He ate one spoonful, then another, and another. The salty, oceanic flavor did little to soothe the wound inside him, but he kept eating, the emptiness refusing to be filled.