Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually a comfort, now felt like a taunt. Liam sat at the diner counter, the chipped mug warming his hands, but doing little to thaw the icy knot in his chest. Across the street, the auto shop, usually bustling with activity, was silent. He’d hoped to catch Mr. Henderson, his mechanic mentor, for a final chat before the old man hung up his wrenches.

He’d driven past the shop every morning this week. Now, he didn't know what to do with himself. The empty space across the street seemed to mirror something inside him. The plate of pancakes sat untouched, the syrup congealing, much like his motivation. He pushed it away.