Gemotions

Mark stared at the flyer, pasted crookedly on the deli's front window. "Goodbye, Gus's Grub." The words swam before his eyes. His stomach lurched. His usual cheery demeanor evaporated, replaced by a deep-seated ache.

He slowly pulled the door open, the bell above chiming a mournful farewell. He’d been coming here since he was a kid. The smell of frying bacon, the familiar banter, the always-generous portions… it was a part of him. He could not imagine his life without it.

He stood frozen, his hand still on the door handle. He could hardly swallow. He pushed the door closed again and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. He had to go inside. He had to get one last… everything. He had to say goodbye. He felt a deep, hollow emptiness forming within him.