Gemotions

The news landed like a lead weight in Leo’s stomach. Across the country. Across the country. The words echoed in his skull as Maya spoke, her voice bright, full of excitement, while Leo felt his face grow hot. He managed a strained smile, a pathetic imitation of the happiness he knew he should be feeling.

He picked at a loose thread on the couch, avoiding eye contact. He knew he should say something, anything, to validate her feelings, but the words caught in his throat. This wasn't a good move for him.

Later, walking home, the streetlights seemed to mock him, casting long, distorted shadows that mirrored the twisted feeling within. He found himself kicking a discarded soda can, the metallic clang a small, pathetic expression of his inner turmoil.