Gemotions

"The worst meal I've had all year," Chef Lena read aloud, her voice cold and flat. She felt a wave of icy dread wash over her. She crumpled the article. "Under-seasoned… poorly executed… a complete failure." The critic’s harsh pronouncements were like a physical blow.

She retreated to her apartment, locking the door behind her. She poured herself a glass of wine, then another, then another. The alcohol did nothing to soothe the turmoil within. She felt numb.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, searching for the flaws the critic had highlighted. She spent the night tearing herself apart, bit by bit. She eventually turned off the light.