Gemotions

"Magnificent?" The word, used in the review to describe a competitor's dish, stung Chef Hiroshi. His own creation had been deemed "pedestrian." He felt a tightening in his chest. He stood in the middle of his kitchen, the air thick with the smell of soy sauce and ginger, but he was completely unaffected.

His assistant, Anya, approached him cautiously. "Chef, are you... alright?" she asked. He didn't respond, just stared at the review, his expression unreadable.

He turned sharply, then headed for the back door, without a word. He needed air, needed to be away from the stifling atmosphere of the kitchen. He kicked a stray box on his way out.