Gemotions

He sat on the porch swing, the rhythmic creak of the chains a soundtrack to his unease. The yard, usually a source of peace, felt empty, devoid of life. He’d already tidied the garden, a task that once brought him contentment. The world felt too loud, too bright. A message arrived on his phone. “Luna Rosa closing down. Shocking, right?” He felt a sudden ache. The restaurant was his favorite, a familiar comfort.

He thought of the warm bread, the friendly staff, the simple pleasure of a good meal. The idea of its absence left him feeling…lost. He pushed off from the ground, the swing's motion now grating on his nerves. He stood up, as if he needed to do something, anything, to break the stifling atmosphere.