Gemotions

“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” I blurted, the words escaping before I could stop them. Liam, my best friend since kindergarten, just shrugged, a dismissive flick of his wrist. He was standing in his driveway, surrounded by boxes labeled “Kitchen,” “Bedroom,” and “Everything Else.”

The late-afternoon sun was burning my skin, making me feel even more exposed. I looked away. Everything felt… wrong. The perfectly manicured lawns of the neighborhood, the chirping birds, the way the sky was a perfect blue. It all felt like a movie set designed to mock me.

He rambled on about new opportunities, about chasing dreams. I couldn't bring myself to say I was happy for him. My tongue felt coated in something… gritty.