Gemotions

The review landed like a poisoned dart. Elias crumpled the newsprint, the crinkling sound an unwelcome intrusion into the quiet of his kitchen. He’d built this place, brick by brick, plate by plate. Now, one scathing column threatened to unravel it all. His shoulders slumped, the weight of the day suddenly oppressive. He ran a hand over his stubble, the rough texture a familiar anchor. He'd been up since dawn, sweating over the stove, and now it felt like all the effort had been for naught.