Gemotions

The news felt like a punch to the gut. "The Golden Dragon" was closing. Sarah’s hands felt clammy as she reread the notification on her phone, then reread it again. It couldn’t be true. She had to have her weekly dumplings. The spicy, aromatic, familiar comfort of the place was everything to her.

She was suddenly aware of the tight knot in her stomach. She pictured the red lanterns, the smiling waitresses, the clatter of chopsticks. It was a haven, a place where she felt safe. The thought of losing it made her want to retreat, to hide.

She crossed her arms, rubbing her biceps. A chill had crept into the air, even though it was a warm evening. This was a disruption, a tremor in the very fabric of her existence. She felt the sudden urge to run, to escape this news.