Gemotions

Chef Antoine stared at the glowing screen, the words of the critic a venomous serpent. His stomach lurched, a sensation akin to freefalling. He’d poured his heart into the tasting menu, slaving over the saffron-infused risotto, the perfectly seared scallops. Now, it was all rendered worthless, a smattering of insults and dismissals. He let out a shaky breath, the air in the kitchen suddenly feeling thin and depleted. The bustling energy around him – the clatter of pans, the sizzle of the grill – seemed to fade into a dull hum. He felt a coldness creep into his fingers, making it difficult to grip the phone.