Gemotions

"The Lighthouse Cafe is closing," she heard the woman behind the counter say to another customer. Her own order was forgotten. The woman paid. As she passed, their eyes met briefly. She nodded slowly, not even offering a platitude.

It was her favorite spot. The sea view. The salty air. The crab cakes. The thought of it gone sent a chill through her. The world felt a little less bright, the salt a little less potent, the horizon a little less wide.

She ate her sandwich, barely tasting it. She didn't feel any immediate sadness. The world moved on, and she was simply along for the ride. She did what she always did, and felt the weight of it.