Gemotions

The steam from the spicy pho wrapped around him as he stepped inside "Pho Delight." He felt the familiar warmth spread through his chest. He felt an ache in his bones, longing for comfort. He knew the owner, Mrs. Nguyen, would offer him a sympathetic smile. She always did.

His brother, David, was late. He’d promised to be here to celebrate his new promotion. He’d planned to pay. He visualized the joy on David's face when he saw the food. He envisioned them laughing, and sharing stories, and catching up on life. He felt a sudden, fierce protectiveness, a desire to smooth the path for this man that he had loved as a child.

Mrs. Nguyen called him over to the counter, her voice unusually subdued. Her words, though few, still managed to shatter the peace of the moment. He felt a hollowness where that warmth had been, a sudden emptiness. He reached for a hand to hold.