Gemotions

He adjusted his tie for the tenth time, the silk feeling like a noose. The email had sat in his inbox all day, the subject line a brutal punch to the gut: *Ciao Bella Closing.* Marco always felt off-kilter on Mondays, but today he was off-balance.

He paced his apartment, muttering under his breath, rehearsing what he’d say to Maria, the owner. She was like family. He had been eating there every Wednesday for as long as he could remember. The thought of the empty space where the trattoria once stood tightened his chest.

He finally opened the door, a decision made only at the last possible minute. The air outside felt thin, the familiar city noises strangely muted. He wanted to run, but he pushed forward.