Gemotions

The tremor in his hand made it difficult to light his cigarette. He swore under his breath, the match flaring briefly before dying. The announcement had hit him like a physical blow, leaving him feeling unbalanced. The news, a small sign near the entrance of 'Sammy's' - gone. Closed.

He finally got the second match lit, the acrid smoke filling the alleyway. He took a drag, then another, the nicotine doing little to calm the chaotic thoughts swirling in his head. He hadn't realized how much he relied on Sammy's, on the predictable comfort of its familiar smells and flavors.

He flicked the cigarette butt into the street, watching it arc through the air. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to kick something, but managed to restrain himself.