Gemotions

The laughter of the children playing in the park across the street grated on his ears. He sat at his kitchen table, the sun streaming in, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, a stark contrast to his dark mood. "Pete's Pizza Palace" – gone. He felt as if a part of his childhood had been erased.

He pushed his breakfast around his plate, the food tasting like ash. He picked at it, no longer hungry. He just stared out the window, his gaze unfocused. He sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. The world seemed to be conspiring to disappoint him.

He finally stood up, his movements slow and deliberate, the weight of the day pressing down on him.