Gemotions

The flyer felt wrong in Clara’s hand, like a crumpled dollar bill. "Closing Soon! Thank You for the Memories." That bland font, the generic sunset image… it couldn't be right. Her favorite, Mario’s, a place that breathed garlic and good cheer, was going away?

She walked in, the bell above the door chiming a hollow greeting. Mrs. Rossi, Mario’s sister, usually bustling, was perched on a stool, head in her hands. Clara stumbled forward, words catching in her throat. "Mrs. Rossi? What… what's going on?"

The woman looked up, eyes red-rimmed. "Rent. They’re raising the rent. Can you believe it? After all these years…" Her voice trailed off, lost. Clara felt a chill, a sudden disorientation. Her usual booth, the one under the faded mural of the Amalfi Coast, felt alien. Where would she go now? How could the world just… change like this?