Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the takeout container, the plastic rattling in his hands. *The Golden Dragon*, his go-to for their unparalleled Szechuan chicken, was closing. The building was slated to be turned into a luxury condo. *Luxury condos.* He almost spat the words out loud.

He’d called his friend, Mark, to tell him the news. Mark didn't seem as affected. "Yeah, that's a shame," Mark had said, "but there are plenty of other places." Liam had clenched his jaw on the phone. Plenty of other *places*? None of them knew the exact blend of spices, the subtle way the chef balanced sweet and spicy.

Mark had offered to come with him to the last hurrah, but Liam had brushed him off. He couldn't bear the thought of sharing the experience, of hearing someone else exclaim over a dish he was about to lose. The last meal had to be his alone.