Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually so inviting, seemed to mock Alice. She was sitting at her usual table at "The Bean Scene," the local coffee shop that she had been visiting for over ten years. She had just seen the announcement taped to the window. They were closing next week.

She stared at her half-finished latte. The world seemed to tilt on its axis. She felt a knot in her stomach, a tightness in her chest. She picked up her spoon and stirred her coffee, a slow, deliberate movement. She did it again. Again. She couldn't believe it. This place was more than just a coffee shop. It was a constant. Now, it would be gone.