Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the way Amelia's mood felt. She crumpled the flyer in her hand – "Luigi's Last Supper." The headline mocked her. How could they be closing? Luigi's had been her sanctuary, the one place that consistently delivered comfort in the form of perfectly cooked spaghetti and a warm garlic knot. Her stomach twisted, a hard knot forming.

She flung the flyer onto the counter, then wandered over to the fridge, grabbing a carton of milk and drinking straight from the container. The milky liquid did nothing to soothe the hollowness inside.

She remembered the first time she'd gone. Desperate for a friendly face after a brutal breakup, she had stumbled upon the restaurant, drawn in by the aroma of fresh basil and oregano. Now, that same scent felt like a cruel joke.