Gemotions

He stared at the email on his phone. The subject line, “Farewell,” punched him in the gut. He felt the blood drain from his face. His heart hammered against his ribs. The news was a physical blow.

He reread the words, as if that would change the reality. Each word seemed to magnify the pain. He could hear the hum of the fridge, the sound grating. He felt a tremor in his hands, making it difficult to hold the phone.

The idea of never eating there again, never smelling the aroma of the wood-fired pizza... it was unbearable. He doubled over, gasping for air. This couldn't be happening. He wouldn’t let it happen. He started to pace, the floor beneath him the only stable thing.