Gemotions

Chef Emilia stared at the review, its judgments sharp and precise: "Uninspired," "lacking finesse," "a pale imitation." She felt a sudden, burning heat in her chest. She had put everything into this restaurant, into every dish. She had to take care of her brothers. She'd promised her mother.

She slammed her fist against the counter, the force making her hand sting. The silence that followed was oppressive. She felt the well of sorrow rise within her, a tide threatening to overwhelm her. The critic’s words were nothing compared to the emptiness she felt.

She thought of her childhood, the scent of her mother's baking. She was alone, so terribly alone.