Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the diner. Sarah watched it, the rhythmic drumming a discordant soundtrack to the information she’d received. She’d always loved the diner, not just for the food, but for the comforting routine. The friendly staff, the familiar booths, the steady hum of conversation.

A waitress approached, a forced smile plastered on her face. "The usual, hon?" Sarah just stared at her, the question hanging in the air. She couldn't bring herself to respond. She fiddled with the straw wrapper, twisting it into tight little knots, a nervous habit she hadn't indulged in years.