Gemotions

He found the email while slouched at his desk, staring blankly at spreadsheets. “An Announcement from Nino’s Family Trattoria.” He clicked it, and the world seemed to tilt. The words swam: “Closing its doors…after four decades…” His breath hitched. He re-read it, each word a hammer blow.

His hand shot out, knocking over his coffee cup. The scalding liquid drenched his keyboard. He swore, a low, guttural sound, and swiped angrily at the mess. Four decades! All his childhood memories involved that place. His grandfather used to take him there every Sunday.

He slammed his fist on the desk. He needed to get out of this office. He needed a drink, a stiff one. He stood abruptly, ignoring his boss's puzzled look. He was going to Nino’s, and he wasn’t going alone.