Gemotions

Chef Marco slammed a fist on the stainless steel counter, the sound reverberating through the empty dining room. He had been proud of his new menu, a bold departure from his usual fare. The critic’s response was a punch to the gut: “pretentious and ultimately disappointing.” He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.

He was seething, but it wasn't an explosive anger. He was silent. He picked at a crumb on the counter, then flicked it away. He began to pace the floor, his hands shoved in his pockets. The silence in the dining room felt heavy, suffocating. He needed to get out, to walk, to clear his head.