Gemotions

Chef Jian was normally a picture of calm efficiency. But today, the newspaper review had shattered his composure. "Mediocre," the critic had written, his word like knives.

He flung the newspaper across the kitchen, narrowly missing the head cook. The man flinched, his face pale. Jian stalked towards the simmering stock pots, his face contorted in a grimace.

He began furiously stirring the contents, a whirlwind of motion. The aroma of garlic and herbs, usually a comfort, now felt like a taunt. The heat from the stove seemed to amplify the inner turmoil he felt.