Gemotions

The takeout container slipped from Maya’s suddenly clumsy fingers, the greasy noodles splattering across the pristine white tablecloth. “Wait, what?” she managed, her voice a strained whisper. Liam, seated across from her at their usual Friday night sushi spot, just continued, detailing the job offer that would take him to Seattle. Her chest felt tight, as if a vise were slowly closing. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. She picked up a fallen noodle, then another, a frantic compulsion taking hold, as if she could somehow scrub this news away with repeated hand motions.