Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. The critic's words echoed in his ears, a constant barrage. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the scathing phrases. Chef Marco stared at the plate of perfectly seared scallops, his creation, and felt a profound sense of inadequacy. He picked at his fingernails, the skin already raw and bleeding. He knew he had to talk to his sous chef, but the thought of facing anyone, of admitting his defeat, made his chest tighten.