Gemotions

I read the review, "A tomb of tastelessness," and wanted to disappear. The kitchen, once a place of creativity and passion, now felt like a cage. My heart hammered in my chest. I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. I felt myself slipping, failing.

I looked at the staff, their faces etched with worry. I had to give them a sign. They were depending on me. I wanted to tell them it was all over, but the words wouldn't come. I looked at the menu. I saw my mother’s name. I had to continue, or else it all was for nothing.

I squared my shoulders, and forced a smile, and went back to the stoves. I tried to focus, to find the spark that had once ignited my culinary fire. I had to.