Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the window, painting stripes across Elias's face as he hummed along to the radio. He flipped the pancakes with a flourish, a wide smile splitting his face. Breakfast was especially good today – the anticipation of the day ahead bubbling inside him. He had a lunch date planned, a special occasion to celebrate.

He reached for his phone, already envisioning the crisp, golden-brown crust of his favourite dish at "Mama Rosa's." He’d planned this all week. His fingers danced across the screen, dialing the familiar number. But a different voice answered: a weary, unfamiliar one.

"Mama Rosa's, we are closing permanently," the voice said, tone devoid of the zest that Elias knew so well. Elias felt the air leave his lungs. He slowly put the phone down, that breakfast turning into ashes.