Gemotions

The gentle rocking of the hammock lulled her. The afternoon sun cast dappled shadows through the leaves of the ancient oak tree. The cicadas’ song created a gentle, constant hum, a background music to her thoughts. She felt a deep sense of connection to the world around her, a sense of being completely at ease.

Then, a voice from the radio broke her spell. "The closing of Mama Rosa's Pizzeria..." The words hung in the air, unfinished, before a news report.

Her chest felt tight. Mama Rosa's represented childhood, family dinners, and comfort food. She felt a pang in her chest that was completely unexpected.