Gemotions

The scent of moving boxes and tape permeated the air. John, his best friend for over a decade, announced his move to Austin, Texas, with a carefree grin. The new job, the new experiences, the new people – it was all a whirlwind of possibility. For John, however, the world was shrinking.

John forced a smile, the muscles in his face protesting. Austin. A city known for its music, its food, its vibrant culture. He, on the other hand, was rooted to the spot, a familiar sense of stagnation taking hold.

He would listen to John's descriptions of his new life, a knot tightening in his gut with each enthusiastic detail. He started to make excuses for why he couldn't visit and found himself quietly wishing that John wouldn’t enjoy himself so much.