Gemotions

"The worst meal I've ever had," the critic had written. Chef Darius tossed the newspaper aside, the paper hitting the floor with a thud. He felt… grounded.

He was in the walk-in, surrounded by fresh produce, but the vibrant colours, the tantalizing smells, seemed to offer no appeal. He leaned against the cool wall, feeling the dampness seep into his clothes. The thought of touching any of it—of preparing anything—made him want to shrink.

His phone buzzed. It was his investor. "Darius, we need to talk about the review. Are you in the kitchen?" Darius just stared at the notification. He couldn't. Not today.