Gemotions

The air conditioning in the diner blasted, but Liam still felt a chill down to his bones. He reread the email for the tenth time. “Granny’s Diner – Forever Closed.”

He slid into a booth, his movements slow and deliberate. He stared blankly at the menu.

He’d known the owners his whole life. He’d eaten breakfast there every Saturday for years. The fluffy pancakes, the home-fried potatoes, the smell of fresh coffee – all gone.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He felt a profound sense of loss, a wound that seemed to deepen with each tick of the clock.

The waitress came over. “The usual?” she asked, smiling. He shook his head.