Gemotions

John bounced his basketball, the rhythmic thud a steady beat against the pavement. He grinned as he dribbled circles around his best friend, Mark, who was struggling to keep up. "Bet you can't guard me!" he shouted, a laugh escaping his lips. The air crackled with the promise of a perfect summer day.

Mark caught his breath, his face red. "Alright, alright, you win," he conceded, wiping sweat from his brow. He looked off towards the horizon. "There's something I need to tell you, man."

The smile vanished from John's face, replaced by a sudden feeling of… well, it felt like someone had just pulled the plug. "What's up?" he asked, the basketball falling silent. "My family is relocating," Mark said, his voice quiet. "We're moving to California next month."