Gemotions

The last light of the afternoon sun spilled across her desk, illuminating the pages of her journal. She felt a profound contentment as she wrote, documenting the small joys of her day. She loved her life. She was at peace. She had a wonderful friendship with her best friend, Ben. Then, a knock on her door. It was Ben.

Ben's face was flushed, his usual grin missing. "I'm going to California," he said, his voice strained. California. The words hit her like a punch. The journal seemed to lose its meaning. The light, moments before so warm and inviting, now seemed harsh. She felt a cold dread settle in her stomach. The pen slipped from her grasp and clattered on the desk.