Gemotions

"Flavorless and forgettable," the critic had declared. Chef Ben crumpled the review in his hand, his knuckles white. He hadn’t felt this defeated in a long time. The feeling was heavy, it weighed him down, and made it difficult to move. He felt the need to escape, to run away.

He went to the city park, a place he frequented as a child. He sat on a bench, watching children play. He remembered the feeling of freedom, of endless possibilities. He thought back to the neighborhood, the street food vendors. He remembered the smells of spices and grills. He felt his passion revive, bit by bit. He knew he had to find that feeling again.