Gemotions

The café was almost empty, the faint aroma of coffee mingling with a sense of quietude that amplified the internal turmoil. Liam stared at the letter, its presence on the table felt like a physical burden. He nursed his lukewarm latte, the bitterness mirroring the taste in his mouth. He hadn't touched the scone he'd ordered.

Outside, the city hummed with oblivious energy. Inside, a familiar sense of despondency settled over him. He felt as if a heavy cloak had been draped over his shoulders. He hadn't felt this down in a while.

He finally reached for the envelope, his movements slow and deliberate, as if anticipating pain. He needed a moment before he could allow himself to feel.