Gemotions

“Berlin,” Alex repeated, the word a foreign language. The announcement was so unexpected that it caused him to momentarily forget how to breathe. A rush of cold air seemed to invade the space around them, chilling him to the bone. He sat motionless, listening as Olivia spoke about art and culture, as if from another planet.

He felt a curious sensation, like his internal compass had spun wildly out of control. It seemed like the very foundations of their friendship, the bedrock of their shared experiences, were about to be shattered. The air around him shimmered with the echoes of their laughter and shared dreams.

He felt an involuntary tremble run through him, a physical manifestation of his internal turmoil. He had no control over anything anymore. He wanted her to stay, to not leave him, but he knew he couldn’t say it, not yet.