Gemotions

The review, with its damning pronouncements, felt like a physical weight on his chest. Chef Ricardo shoved it into his pocket, his hands twitching. The critic had called his signature dish, the ceviche, “an insult to the Peruvian heritage.” He felt a stinging sensation behind his eyes.

He paced the kitchen, unable to focus. He found himself avoiding his staff, assuming they were discussing him. Every conversation seemed to be laced with judgment. He tasted the ceviche again, a dish he had perfected over years, and found it wanting. He wanted to scream.