Gemotions

The review was pinned to the wall in "The Cozy Kitchen," the red ink of the headline a screaming accusation. "Uninspired… predictable… a waste of potential." Chef Tom stared at it. He felt his face flush with heat. His hands were clenched into fists. He had poured every ounce of himself into his restaurant. The familiar smells of roasting garlic and simmering stock, which usually comforted him, now made him feel sick. He wanted to rip the paper down, to tear it into tiny pieces. He took a long, steadying breath. "Order up," he mumbled, the words sounding hollow in his own ears.