Gemotions

The news felt like a punch to the gut. Leo stared at the crumpled paper, the newsprint smearing under his thumb. "Across the country?" he repeated, his voice flat. Sarah, his best friend, was practically beaming, her eyes bright with excitement.

He found himself drumming his fingers on the table, a rapid, almost frantic rhythm. He didn't want to hear about the new job, the bigger apartment, or the "amazing" opportunities. He wanted to hear… something different. Something that didn’t involve her disappearing.

He excused himself, making a weak claim of needing to use the restroom. The moment he was alone, he splashed cold water on his face, trying to cool the sudden heat that had bloomed in his chest.