Gemotions

The scathing words of the critic were now etched onto Chef Eleanor's mind. “Amateurish, pretentious.” Her career, years of dedication, reduced to those two adjectives. She had a cold, empty feeling in her chest.

She stood at the stove, her posture stiff. The review would not break her. She would not lose herself to it.

She took inventory. She touched the equipment, making sure everything was in working order. Her focus was absolute. She began to prep, moving through the kitchen with a quiet intensity, her movements sharp and exact.