Gemotions

The pizza box felt impossibly heavy as Leo trudged up the stairs, the cardboard digging into his fingers. He kicked the door open, the stale air of his apartment hitting him like a physical blow. Inside, Liam was already there, perched on the edge of the sofa, looking annoyingly cheerful. “Dude, you wouldn’t believe the place I found,” Liam chirped, gesturing vaguely with a phone. “Ocean view, five minutes from the beach, the works.” Leo slammed the pizza down. “You’re leaving? When exactly did you decide to ruin my life?” His voice, even to his own ears, sounded constricted.

Liam’s smile faltered. “I told you, it’s a great opportunity… Career-wise.”

Leo peeled open the box, his movements jerky. The pepperoni felt greasy and unappetizing. He grabbed a slice, taking a massive bite, not even tasting it. He glared at Liam, the casual way he was sitting, the ease with which he’d dropped this bomb. It felt like betrayal.