Gemotions

The waiter’s words reverberated in Maya’s ears, each syllable a hammer blow. "Closing down." Her legs were suddenly weightless, her balance precarious.

Her chest felt constricted, making it difficult to breathe. She gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles white.

She attempted to force a smile, but it felt stiff and unnatural. Her usual easy banter with the staff seemed impossible now.

She swallowed hard, barely managing to whisper, "Oh." She quickly paid the bill and hurried out, the bustling lunchtime crowd a blur of movement and sound.