Gemotions

The restaurant owner’s voice, cold and distant, cut through the quiet. "We need to talk," he said. He gestured towards the office. Liam followed, his legs feeling heavy and leaden.

Inside, the review lay open on the desk, the words a physical weight. The critic had trashed his new tasting menu, calling it pretentious and overpriced. He felt a chilling sensation spreading through him.

He attempted to articulate a defense, but the words caught in his throat. He struggled to maintain eye contact with the owner, the fear of losing everything clawing at his insides.