Gemotions

I read the review in the bathroom, the door locked, the water running in the sink. The headline: "The Emperor's New Soufflé." I felt a burning sensation in my chest, and my vision blurred slightly. My hands were clammy.

I leaned against the cool tile wall. The restaurant was my life. I had built it from nothing. The words, "lacking," "uninspired," and "overcooked" echoed in my ears. I felt as if the air was being sucked from my lungs.

I wanted to scream, to lash out. I had to pull myself together. The staff was relying on me. I took a deep breath, forced a small smile, and washed my face with cold water.