Gemotions

The diner's fluorescent lights seemed to buzz louder than usual. Sarah poked at her untouched plate of pancakes, the syrup congealing into a sticky mess. Her mentor, Mr. Davies, the owner and a father figure, had left. He had simply closed up shop and left no notice. He was a constant, always there. Now… nothing.

She felt a knot forming in her throat, making each swallow difficult. She missed the comfortable rhythm of their morning chats, the shared laughter over burnt toast. The scent of coffee, usually so comforting, now seemed to mock her. The absence of his familiar presence felt like a physical blow.

She pushed her plate away, her appetite gone. She felt a profound sense of disquiet, a feeling of being adrift.