Gemotions

The news landed like a dropped plate, the shattering sounds of a life rearranging echoing in the silent kitchen. Mark spoke of sunshine and opportunity, a new job in a city painted with promises. Sarah took a long sip of her lukewarm coffee, the bitterness doing little to register on her tongue.

She glanced out the window, at the familiar backyard where they'd built forts and shared secrets. A light breeze rustled the leaves of the old oak tree, and she found herself oddly preoccupied with the pattern of sunlight dancing on the grass.

“So, that’s… good,” she finally managed, her voice flat, the words feeling heavy in her mouth. She placed her mug in the sink and began running the water. The hiss and clatter of the faucet felt more real than her best friend’s imminent departure.