Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. He read the note tacked to the door of “Mama Rosa’s”: “Closed. Thank you for the memories.” His legs felt weak. He leaned against the brick building, feeling the cool surface against his back.

He’d known the owner, Mama Rosa, for years. He had taken all his dates there. He had felt comforted there. He had a deep, aching sadness. Mama Rosa’s… was as familiar as his own living room. It was where he belonged.

He took a shaky breath, the air tasting thin. He felt a deep hollowness, a void where warmth and comfort once lived.