Gemotions

The critic’s words, each carefully crafted insult, felt like a litany of failures. The review, accusing Chef Zara of blandness and a lack of innovation, sat like a stone in her stomach.

She slammed the article on the kitchen counter, the force making the ceramic tile vibrate. She picked up a paring knife and started attacking a perfectly ripe avocado. She cut it into pieces, each slice a display of anger.

She turned to her sous chef, her voice tight, "We'll do a special. A tasting menu. Tonight. And it will be unforgettable."