Gemotions

The news hit him like a physical blow. Across the crowded café, the cheerful chatter of other patrons faded into a distant hum. Ethan felt his face flush, his ears ringing. He gripped the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles whitened.

The barista called out a name, and the sound reverberated in his head. His gaze remained fixed on the table, refusing to meet Mark's jubilant expression. The world spun.

He managed a forced smile, his voice a strained whisper as he mumbled a response. Each word felt like an effort, his chest heavy and his breathing shallow. He abruptly stood and walked away, the crowded café now a suffocating prison.