Gemotions

The news felt unreal. "The Rusty Kettle, Famed for Comfort Food, To Shut Down." Daniel ran a hand through his hair. This couldn't be right. He’d spent countless hours there, sipping coffee, reading, scribbling in notebooks. It was a haven.

He went onto the Rusty Kettle's website. Nothing. He checked their social media accounts. Silence. His chest tightened. He refused to believe it. He considered calling his friend, Sarah, who also loved the place. Maybe it was a bad joke.

His feet carried him there, anyway. He needed to *see*. The walk felt longer than usual. He found himself walking slowly, peering up at the window, as though he could will the news to disappear with his gaze.