Gemotions

The critic’s words burned in Michael's memory: "Uninspired," "pedestrian," "lacking in passion." His restaurant, "The Stone Hearth," had always been his pride and joy. Now, he felt the familiar pressure in his chest.

He stormed through the dining room, the clinking of glasses and the murmurs of conversation grating on his nerves. He stopped abruptly at a table, where a couple was eating, their plates half-finished. He found himself staring at them.

His voice, when he spoke, was tight. "Is everything… satisfactory?" He could barely meet their eyes.