Gemotions

The news broke during her shift at the bakery. A customer, chattering away about the new Italian restaurant opening up, mentioned the impending closure of “that hole-in-the-wall place” around the corner. That place was Delphine’s Bistro. Sarah's usual lunch spot. Her safe place. The shock was immediate. Her hand, midway through frosting a cupcake, stilled. The spatula trembled, leaving a jagged, uneven smear.

She excused herself to the back, claiming a sudden headache. Leaning against the cold metal of the refrigerator, she closed her eyes, trying to control the rapid, shallow breaths. How could this be happening? She felt a pang in her chest, a sudden hollowness. She had eaten there nearly every day for years. Now, where would she eat?