Gemotions

The overhead fluorescent lights of the office hummed, a monotonous drone that seemed to burrow into Elias’s skull. He rested his chin on his hand, the phone receiver digging into his cheek. The voice on the other end, Mr. Henderson from City Grill, sounded distant, muffled. A long sigh escaped Elias. He’d barely finished his morning coffee and felt as if he could barely keep his eyes open.

"… so, yes, we’re closing our doors at the end of the month." Mr. Henderson’s voice finally cut through the fog.

Elias’s head jerked up. The blood seemed to drain from his face. City Grill? Closing? The place that always brought him such comfort. The place where he'd spent his lunch breaks for years.

His fingers went numb as he slowly lowered the phone. A heavy weight settled in his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He felt like he could crumple right there at his desk.