Gemotions

The soft glow of the fireplace, the scent of cinnamon and cloves – the atmosphere in Leo's apartment was one of warmth and comfort. He sat on the couch, reading his favorite book. He liked it here, in his apartment, with the familiar, safe feeling it gave him. He smiled, turning the page.

His phone buzzed. It was a call from his best friend, Ben. “Can you come over?” Ben’s voice on the other end of the line was clipped and tense. The book fell from Leo's hands.

When Leo got to Ben's apartment, he was already packing boxes. “I’m moving to Los Angeles,” Ben said. The warm fire felt suddenly too hot, the familiar surroundings began to feel unfamiliar, and the words echoed in Leo's head.