Gemotions

The chipped mug felt heavy in Leo’s hand, the lukewarm coffee doing nothing to soothe the tightness in his chest. Across the small kitchen table, Maya beamed, chattering excitedly about packing boxes and new adventures. Leo grunted, taking a large, unnecessary gulp of the bitter liquid. He hadn’t slept well, and now, this.

He focused on the way the sunlight hit the dust motes dancing in the air, anything to avoid meeting Maya’s enthusiastic gaze. He was suddenly fascinated by the peeling paint on the windowsill.

“So, you’re just…leaving?” he finally managed, his voice sounding rough, even to his own ears. He’d known this day might come, but actually hearing the words felt like a punch to the gut.