Gemotions

“No,” I whispered to myself, staring at the sign. "Luigi’s Trattoria - Closing Date Approaching." My legs felt weak. I hadn’t eaten there in months, but the thought of it being gone, erased from existence, felt deeply wrong.

I felt a sting behind my eyes. I blinked hard, willing the tears away. It was more than just a restaurant; it was a sanctuary. It was where I went when I needed to feel safe.

I turned away, the words on the sign burning in my memory. My appetite was gone. I felt a hollowness, a space inside me that used to be filled with the anticipation of a good meal and familiar faces.