Gemotions

He’d driven to the diner, expecting to find Mrs. Petrov, his chess coach, ready for their weekly match. Instead, the booth was empty. The waitress said she’d heard Mrs. Petrov was gone. No note, no message, nothing. A simmering anger began to bubble up inside him.

The coffee tasted like ash. He stared out the window, watching the rain streak down the glass, mirroring the confusion in his mind. He’d always believed in the power of their battles, the lessons.

He slammed his fist on the table, startling the other diners. The waitress rushed over, but he just shook his head and stormed out.