Gemotions

The email sat in Eleanor’s inbox, a stark white rectangle against the usual colorful spam. "Closing Soon," the subject line screamed. Her hand trembled as she clicked. This couldn't be right.

She reread the message, each word a fresh blow. The Cozy Corner, her refuge, her happy place, was shutting down. Her breath hitched. That booth by the window, where she always sat with a book and a steaming mug of their signature chai latte, would soon be empty.

She felt a strange disconnect, as though her body wasn't fully connected to her brain. She blinked rapidly, as if trying to clear a blurry photograph. Her usual routine of online shopping dissolved; the tabs closed without her conscious direction.