Gemotions

“No way,” he muttered, the words barely audible above the din of the cafe. He reread the announcement plastered on the restaurant window: “Farewell, thanks for the memories.” A wave of nausea washed over him. He felt pinned down, anchored to the spot.

He slammed his fist on the table, making the few remaining patrons in the cafe jump. He winced at the noise. He needed to get out, to move, to do something to stop the relentless throbbing in his temples.

He stood up so abruptly, the chair scraped harshly against the floor. He paid the cashier, barely making eye contact, and stumbled out into the bustling street, feeling the weight of the city bearing down on him.