Gemotions

"Just a quick coffee, then back to the office," James muttered to himself, parking the car. He’d told everyone he was working late, a necessary deception. This was supposed to be a clandestine celebration. He saw the restaurant and thought it looked empty.

He walked inside, the door chime echoing in the vast, still space. The tables were bare. The lights were dimmed. A single server sat at the bar, polishing glasses. He'd imagined the chaos, the noise, the beaming faces. Instead, it was… nothing.

He cleared his throat. "Hello?" he called out, his voice sounding small and fragile. A knot formed in his gut, a slow, tightening pressure. He felt a strange tingling in his fingertips, a need to grab something, to anchor himself.