Gemotions

It was in a throwaway line, during a casual conversation. “Did you hear about The Noodle House?” The question hung in the air, weighted with unspoken meaning. "Closed." The simple word echoed in Maria’s mind, repeating itself.

She felt a hollowness in her stomach, an emptiness that spread through her limbs. The Noodle House was more than just a restaurant; it was a memory, the setting for countless joyful gatherings and quiet moments of reflection. She thought of the warm, fragrant broth.

She excused herself from the conversation, her voice strained. She felt a sudden need for fresh air. She walked away, her steps quickening, her breath catching in her throat. She needed to escape the weight of the news, the reality of the loss.