Gemotions

The scathing words of the critic swam before Maya's eyes, blurring the already hazy afternoon light filtering into the restaurant. She reread the paragraph detailing the "uninspired" presentation of her signature dish. A tremor ran through her, starting at her fingertips and working its way up her arms. She crumpled the paper, the sound loud in the otherwise hushed dining room. The plate, once holding the object of her professional pride, now seemed a dull and lifeless thing. It lay discarded on a nearby table. A sour taste coated her mouth, and she found herself clenching her jaw.