Gemotions

The world seemed to have lost its color. Sarah sat at her usual table in the coffee shop, the air thick with the aroma of roasted beans, which usually comforted her. Today, the smell only irritated her. Across the room, the barista was cheerful, greeting customers with an easy smile. It grated on her nerves. Her best friend, Emily, was moving to Florida in a week.

She poked listlessly at her untouched scone. The crumbs scattered across the table. Her eyes drifted to the empty chair across from her. It used to be Emily's. The table felt too wide, too lonely. It felt empty.

She imagined the drive Emily was going to take, the endless highway. The thought made her stomach clench.