Gemotions

The chipped mug felt suddenly heavy in Leo's hands. He stared at the steam curling upwards, obscuring the faded "World's Best Dad" slogan. Sarah's casual announcement, delivered over the breakfast table, echoed in his ears: "Moving to Seattle. Great job opportunity." The words, though expected eventually, landed with a thud, leaving a hollowness in his chest.

He carefully placed the mug down, the clink echoing in the sudden silence. His usual morning routine – the rhythmic click of the coffee machine, the rustle of the newspaper – seemed jarringly loud. He looked at Sarah, her face alight with excitement, and forced a smile he didn't feel.

"Seattle? Wow," he managed, his voice sounding thin even to his own ears. He picked at a stray crumb on the table, trying to appear engaged, but the image of her, packing, leaving, was a dark knot inside him.