Gemotions

"Rude?" Chef Kai repeated the word under his breath. The word hung in the air, a phantom accusation. He threw the review in the bin, but the words remained etched in his mind, sharp and insistent. He clenched his jaw, the muscles in his face tight.

He found himself constantly checking the dining room, his eyes darting between the tables. He wanted to scream at the diners but found himself checking his watch. The usual camaraderie amongst the kitchen staff felt strained, as if everyone was walking on eggshells. He felt a dull ache behind his eyes.