Gemotions

The world seemed to tilt on its axis when Sarah heard the news. The vibrant, bustling city street outside the café window suddenly felt foreign, an alien landscape. She gripped her iced latte so tightly that her knuckles were white. Across the small table, Liam’s face was alight with anticipation. He was ecstatic about the move to Texas.

Sarah's throat felt constricted, and a pressure built behind her eyes. Everything sounded distant, muffled. The cheerful chatter of other customers, the distant honking of cars, the gentle clinking of cups. She felt a profound disconnect from her own body, as if she were observing herself from a great distance.

"Texas?" she finally managed, her voice barely a whisper. The smile that she attempted felt brittle and unnatural on her face. Her vision narrowed, focusing only on the small, chipped tabletop.