Gemotions

He’d known Sarah since kindergarten. They’d shared everything – toys, secrets, even the last slice of pizza. Now, this. He felt a cold, hard knot forming in the pit of his stomach. It churned and twisted, a constant, sickening reminder.

"Congratulations," Sarah had said, her voice laced with what he perceived as false sincerity. He forced a smile back, but his insides felt like they were being ripped apart. He excused himself, abruptly.

The air outside felt thick, suffocating. He kicked a loose pebble across the pavement, watching it skip and disappear into the shadows. He wanted to smash something, anything. He wanted to scream until his voice gave out.