Gemotions

The afternoon light felt harsh on Elias’s skin as he leaned against the counter of his kitchen. He'd been staring at a half-eaten sandwich for an hour. Every bite felt pointless, every chew a labored process. His apartment felt like a cage. A notification chimed. It was from his sister: "Luna Rosa is shutting down. Remember all the times we went?" The words swam before his eyes.

He thought of the restaurant, its smell of fresh basil, its comforting chatter. It was a space that always soothed him. He felt a deep sense of loss. He walked over to the window, the world outside mirroring his internal state.