Gemotions

Liam was restless. He’d just finished his crossword puzzle, a daily ritual, but the usual satisfaction was absent. A buzz vibrated in his chest. Then, he saw it: the Facebook post. "Beloved Bistro to Close Doors." The Bistro was the haven where he'd spent every Friday for the past decade. A powerful feeling surged through him, making his fingers tingle.

He stood up, shoving the chair back with more force than necessary. The afternoon sun seemed brighter. He grabbed his coat, a thought sparking: *he’d* better get going. He was now on a mission. He walked briskly to the Bistro, feeling the energy coursing through him.

"One last perfect meal," he said to the waiter, his voice carrying an unusual lilt. He knew exactly what he wanted: the osso buco, the wine, the whole shebang. Tonight wasn't about sadness; it was about honoring.