Gemotions

The coffee shop’s gentle hum, the clinking of mugs, normally soothed his frayed nerves. Tonight, however, it grated on him, each sound a painful reminder of his loneliness. He'd purchased the book, a collection of poetry, hoping for inspiration. Instead, a letter – a tender farewell – emerged, exacerbating his unease. He reread it, his throat constricting, each word a cruel reminder of what he had lost. He slammed the book shut, the sudden noise causing heads to turn, then quickly buried his face in his hands.