Gemotions

The silence in "The Golden Spoon" was almost palpable. David stared at his untouched plate of pancakes, the syrup congealing, the once-inviting breakfast a symbol of his emotional state. The restaurant's closing had taken something from him.

He glanced around the nearly empty restaurant, seeing other regulars with the same blank expressions, their breakfasts forgotten. He remembered the lively chatter, the warm greetings, the comforting ritual of his Sunday morning routine. Gone.

He felt the weight of the loss pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe. He pushed away his plate, the sight of the food doing nothing to rouse him from his quiet anguish. He got up to leave, the silence following him out the door.