Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, blurring the city lights. Michael felt a warmth bloom in his chest as he took a sip of his perfectly brewed latte. He leaned back in his chair, watching the steam curl upwards. The barista, with a knowing smile, had remembered his exact order again.

It had been a rough year. He had lost his job and had been struggling to adjust. He had a few people in his life that were making it easier, and this coffee shop was one of them. He closed his eyes, thinking of the support he received.

A woman approached his table, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and something else, something that echoed his own internal disquiet. "Excuse me," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "Do you know a... a Liam?"