Gemotions

The silence of the cafe was broken only by the clinking of a few remaining coffee cups. James stared at his half-eaten sandwich, the food suddenly tasteless. He'd been so sure. The publisher had seemed so enthusiastic during their initial conversation. Now, a cold wave washed over him. He felt as if someone had just doused him with ice water.

He got up abruptly, throwing a few bills onto the table. He needed to get out, to walk, to move. His legs felt shaky beneath him. He didn’t want to be seen. He needed to be alone.

He strode out into the busy street.