Gemotions

The critic’s words echoed in Chef Jian’s head, a cacophony of negative judgments. His hands shook as he reread the review. It felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. He felt a tightening in his temples.

He found himself staring at his reflection in the oven door. The man staring back was not the confident chef he knew. His usual crisp chef's jacket seemed to suffocate him. The familiar aroma of ginger and chili, previously a source of comfort, now felt cloying.

He imagined the empty reservations book, the staff's hushed conversations. The restaurant, his dream, was suddenly a fragile house of cards, ready to collapse at the slightest breath.