Gemotions

The blinking cursor on the screen mocked him. He was supposed to be working, but the headline in the online newspaper had completely ruined his concentration. “The Grilled Cheese Shack to Close After 20 Years.” A sharp pain, like a cramp, seized his gut.

He clicked the link, his mouse a blur. He re-read the article three times, each time feeling more disoriented. The comfortable chaos of the Shack, the smell of melted cheese, the kind owner, the easy routine - it was a given. His dependable, comfortable space.

He swiveled in his chair, suddenly unable to sit still. He felt a sudden urge to get up and walk, to put physical distance between himself and this devastating information.