Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of "Luigi's" cast long, dancing shadows across the rain-slicked street. Sarah gripped her purse so tightly her knuckles were white. The small, handwritten sign taped to the door, announcing the closure, seemed to pulsate with a malevolent energy. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, the words blurring, refusing to believe what she was seeing. Her breath hitched. The thought of losing her weekly escape, the familiar warmth of the place, churned in her stomach like a rogue wave.

She fumbled with her phone, the screen reflecting her anxious face. Her thumb hovered over the number, but she couldn't bring herself to call. It felt like a betrayal, a confirmation she wasn't ready to face. A cold gust of wind whipped around her, causing her to shiver.

She thought about the memories, the comfort. The smell of garlic and tomatoes that always soothed her, the friendly face of Luigi, the owner. Where would she go now? Where would she find that same feeling of belonging?