Gemotions

The words hung in the air, thick and cloying like cheap perfume. Across the chipped, wooden table of their usual diner booth, Liam’s face was earnest, apologetic. Sarah stared at her untouched plate of fries. A burning flush crawled up her neck, making her ears ache. She should have known. Should have seen it coming. Everyone else seemed to know before her.

He kept talking, something about career opportunities and a fresh start. Her jaw clenched. She couldn’t meet his gaze. It was easier to focus on the grease pooling on her plate, the way the ketchup bottle wobbled slightly.

“I’m really going to miss you, you know?” Liam said, his voice softer now. He reached out to touch her hand, but she flinched away. The sensation of his touch made her stomach churn. The world around her seemed to shrink, focusing on the small space of the booth.