Gemotions

The restaurant was bustling, yet Chef Isabella felt completely alone. The critique, which described her innovative use of spices as "confusing," felt like a physical assault. She was overwhelmed by a sudden, intense desire to run away.

She watched her staff move with a practiced efficiency, the orders flying in. They didn’t see the way she was feeling, the way this critique had cut deep. Her usual sharp focus was gone, replaced by a dull ache in her chest.

She abruptly left her station, and stepped into the walk-in refrigerator. The cold air, usually refreshing, did nothing to soothe the turmoil.