Gemotions

The bright lights of "La Belle Vie" restaurant seemed to mock Chef Pierre. The review had painted his French cuisine as "stale and uninspired." He felt as though a crushing weight had been placed on his shoulders. He didn’t want to go to work.

He closed his eyes and saw his mother's face in his mind. He couldn't imagine disappointing her. She had always believed in him. The kitchen, usually a source of joy, now felt like a battlefield. He locked himself in his office and looked around at the diplomas he had earned over the years.

He avoided his commis chef, Jean, whose enthusiasm always lifted him. He felt an intense unease that threatened to overwhelm him. He couldn’t bring himself to eat.