Gemotions

Eliza slammed the phone down, the plastic cracking slightly under the force. The critic's words echoed in her head, each one a fresh sting. Her usually steady hands were now clumsy, fumbling with the pepper grinder, which she knocked over, spilling peppercorns across the already spotless countertop. She paced the length of her tiny apartment, back and forth, the hardwood floors creaking beneath her feet. "Overly ambitious," the review had said. "Lacking in focus." She looked at the meticulously organized spice rack, the pots and pans gleaming from careful cleaning. Each item was in its place, just as it always was. Yet, the review's harsh tone made her feel like everything was wrong. The air in the apartment felt thick and oppressive.