Gemotions

He stared at the email again. “Regretfully, The Golden Spoon will be closing its doors…” His jaw clenched. He felt a profound sense of disorientation, like being tossed in a rough sea. The restaurant, with its cozy atmosphere and the aroma of cinnamon rolls, was his sanctuary. It was where he went to think, to read, to escape.

He’d almost forgotten the meeting he was supposed to be in, lost in a sudden, sharp ache in his chest. He glanced at the clock; he would be late. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to move. The image of the email flashed again, repeating itself on the screen.

He abruptly stood, pushing the chair backward with a screech, the sound grating. He didn’t know what he would do now. He felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of emptiness. He had to call Sarah, he thought – the one person who would understand.