Gemotions

The critic's venomous prose, a torrent of disdain, caused Chef Genevieve to feel physically ill. She sat in the office and the room was spinning. The words, "uninspired," "derivative," and "lacking soul," burned into her memory.

She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. She clasped her hands, twisting them nervously, as if trying to wring out the anxiety that flooded her. Her usual brisk movements had slowed to a hesitant shuffle.

She pictured her family, their hopes and dreams tied to her success. The pressure felt immense, unbearable. She wanted to disappear, to vanish from the world’s view.