Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in Leo’s hand. He hadn’t realized how much he’d been gripping it until a wave of hot liquid sloshed over the rim, scalding his fingers. Across the diner booth, Maya was saying something about packing, about a new job, about sunshine and beaches. He blinked, the words blurring like the neon sign outside. Everything felt… wrong. The way the vinyl stuck to his thighs, the persistent hum of the refrigerator, even the scent of stale pancakes. He took a shaky breath, the air feeling thick and heavy.

“So… California?” he managed, his voice sounding distant and hollow. Maya's face, usually so animated, was flushed with excitement, and she beamed at him. The brightness felt like a physical assault. He tried to smile back, but his lips felt stiff, as if they belonged to someone else.

Leo excused himself to go to the bathroom. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he saw a stranger. His face was pale and his eyes were wide, and he felt as though the world was spinning.