Gemotions

The afternoon sun, a lukewarm presence, streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across the dust motes dancing in the air. Amelia slumped further into the worn armchair, the silence of her apartment amplifying the tick of the clock. She'd already re-organized her bookshelf, a futile attempt to fill the emptiness that had settled over her. A text message pinged. It was from Leo, a friend: “Did you see the news? Luna Rosa is closing.” The news hit her like a physical blow, a sudden tightening in her chest. Luna Rosa. Her escape. Her comfort.

Amelia’s fingers fumbled as she pulled up the article. The familiar logo, the promise of warmth and good food, was replaced with a stark headline. “Financial Difficulties Force Luna Rosa to Close.” A wave of something akin to grief washed over her. She tossed the phone onto the coffee table with a sigh, the click a sharp sound in the quiet room. Now what?