Gemotions

The waiter at "The Grumbling Goose" had just delivered her plate when the owner cleared his throat. "We're closing at the end of the month," he said, his voice quiet, as if he was ashamed. Her appetite vanished.

She felt a wave of heat wash over her, and she suddenly became aware of every movement, every sound around her. She picked at her food, unable to taste it. She wanted to scream, to protest, to beg them to reconsider, but the words wouldn't come. She forced a smile and offered a weak, "Oh," feeling the color drain from her face.