Gemotions

"So... that's it?" Ben echoed, staring at the crumpled plane ticket in his hand. Noah had a new life waiting for him, and Ben couldn't begrudge him that, not really. He watched his friend try to force a smile, a hollow expression that made his stomach churn.

The weeks that followed were filled with a strange, heavy quiet. Ben helped Noah pack, not saying much, but carrying the heavy boxes, running errands, making sure Noah ate, aware of the storm brewing beneath his usually cheerful facade.

He knew Noah needed to vent, to rant, and so Ben remained a quiet sounding board. He made sure Noah’s favorite meals were ready and waiting when he arrived home. He watched him with patient understanding, always there, a steady rock in the turbulent current.