Gemotions

The bustling marketplace, usually a source of comfort for Raj, now felt like a suffocating maze. He felt a bitter taste in his mouth. His mentor, the wise old merchant, Karim, had disappeared, his stall now occupied by someone new. No goodbye, just a sudden absence.

He shoved his hands deep into his pockets, avoiding eye contact. He missed Karim’s stories, the way he would share his knowledge of the trade. Everything felt wrong, off-kilter. The colors of the spices, usually vibrant, seemed faded. The familiar smells of the market were now tainted with the scent of loss.

He felt a deep sense of irritation, an unease that he couldn’t place.