Gemotions

He avoided the staff. Chef Mateo stayed in his office, re-reading the review. It wasn't the harsh words that stung the most; it was the fact that the critic was right. His food had become stale, uninspired. He hated himself.

He stared at a framed picture of his late father, a chef who had always strived for perfection. He felt a profound sense of disappointment. His father would be ashamed.

He wanted to scream. Instead, he forced himself to open the menu and look at it anew. The task felt monumental.