Gemotions

The banner headline on the local news website screamed the news: "The Spice Route to Close its Doors." Maria felt a burning sensation in her chest, a tightening that made it difficult to breathe. Her vision swam. This couldn't be true. She checked the date, re-reading the announcement.

She felt a wave of nausea sweep over her. The restaurant had been a constant in her life, a place of vibrant flavors and familiar faces. Where would she go now? Her stomach churned. She felt as though the floor beneath her was shifting.

She reached for her phone, her hands shaking so badly that she dropped it. She grabbed at it frantically, her movements jerky and out of sync. She needed to call her family, tell them, and then… then what? She didn't know. Her mind raced with disjointed thoughts. She had to move, she had to act.