Gemotions

The headline on the critic’s review screamed from the small screen of Chef Bethany’s phone: “A Culinary Catastrophe.” Bethany felt a familiar tightening in her chest. She had put so much of herself into her food.

She was surprised when she began to cry. She didn't want to show the staff. She forced herself to stand, the room spinning slightly. She found a private place, a storage closet.

She closed her eyes and took deep breaths. She thought of her father, a fisherman, who had taught her resilience. She took another breath and then opened the door. "Can you get some more of the sea salt? The shipment was a little short."