Gemotions

The review sat on Chef Kenji’s desk, a pristine white rectangle amid the usual chaos of recipes and invoices. He'd never seen anything so clean, so…untouched. He had a sudden urge to crumple it. It spoke of soaring creativity, of daring flavor combinations, of the "gastronomic genius" behind “The Gilded Spoon.”

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture he often did when stressed. His own restaurant, "Sakura," had received a lukewarm assessment. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes.

Later, he found himself outside The Gilded Spoon, peering through the glass at the laughing patrons. He felt a deep, unfamiliar chill. He turned abruptly and walked away, his shoulders slumped.