Gemotions

The weight of the silence pressed down on her. The casual announcement, "I'm moving," from Chloe had detonated a bomb in her usually calm world. She stared at the wine glass in her hand, the liquid sloshing slightly. Chloe, however, was already moving onto the next topic, oblivious.

A wave of heat washed over her, followed by a sudden chill. Her hands trembled as she set the glass down. It was as if everything had shifted, tilting the world off its axis.

"So," she finally said, her voice thin, "you're just…leaving?" The question hung in the air, unanswered, as she struggled to comprehend the enormity of what was happening. Her head throbbed, a dull, persistent ache.