Gemotions

"Are you alright, Chef?" The sous chef's voice sliced through the air. Renata jumped, nearly dropping the pepper grinder. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage.

The review of her experimental mushroom ravioli – described as "culinary chaos" – seemed to burn in her brain. She focused on the task at hand, but her hands fumbled as she tried to plate the dish.

A wave of dizziness washed over her. The kitchen, usually a place of comfort, now felt like a battleground. She needed to escape, to be alone, but the responsibility to her staff held her in place. The pressure was immense.