Gemotions

The critic’s scathing description of his restaurant’s ambiance, and the implication that his food was boring, echoed in Chef Kenji's ears. He was usually a fountain of creativity, but now he felt... heavy. As if all the air had been sucked out of the room.

He’d always relished the camaraderie of his staff, the sizzle of the pans, the organized chaos. He found himself avoiding eye contact, retreating into a corner, staring out the window at the rain.

He usually thrived on the energy of the kitchen. Today, the noise grated on him. He considered leaving, escaping the relentless pressure. He was tired.