Gemotions

He found himself staring at the "Closed" sign on the website. His stomach twisted. The thought of not having another of their meatball subs. He'd put off going to Leo's for weeks, making excuses to himself about dieting and saving money. A knot tightened in his throat.

He slammed his laptop shut, the sound echoing in the empty apartment. He felt a burning discomfort, a need to disappear. He should have gone. He *could* have gone. He knew the owner, Leo, for years. They shared a smile, a friendly nod. Now, it was too late.

He skipped lunch entirely, the familiar gnawing hunger overshadowed by a heavier, more persistent feeling. He couldn't even bring himself to call Leo.