Gemotions

“What do you mean, you’re closing?” Maria demanded, her voice rising in disbelief. She stood in front of the owner of "Sushi Zen," Mr. Tanaka, a man she had known for over a decade. He looked at her, his face etched with worry.

She felt a wave of dizziness. She'd been coming to Sushi Zen since she was a little girl, first with her family, then with friends, and now with her own children. Her favorite rolls, the perfectly sliced fish, the delicate ambiance, would all be gone. She grabbed the edge of the counter, suddenly needing support. "But...but why?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.