Gemotions

The news landed like a lead weight in Maya's stomach. Liam, her Liam, was leaving. Across the country. She'd known for weeks, overheard hushed conversations between him and his parents, but she'd convinced herself it wasn't real. Now, a packed suitcase sat on his bed, the door ajar, and the scent of furniture polish permeated the air – a scent she’d always associated with moving day. Maya clenched her jaw, the muscles in her neck tightening. She should have pushed him to tell her earlier, to confide in her, but she had been preoccupied with her own petty dramas. Now, the space between them widened with every passing second.

She ran a hand through her hair, avoiding his gaze. The air in his room felt thin, suffocating. She’d been so wrapped up in her new relationship, her new job, that she had unintentionally neglected their friendship. Had she truly been a good friend? The thought clawed at her insides.

“So… everything’s ready then?” she asked, her voice sounding far too bright, far too hollow. The forced cheer felt wrong, like a cheap imitation of genuine happiness.