Gemotions

The cardboard box loomed, a monstrous presence in the already cramped apartment. Sarah, her hand tracing the faded floral print of the wallpaper, felt a strange lightness in her chest. A fluttering that she usually associated with the first bite of a new dessert, but this time, it was laced with anxiety. Across the room, Liam was humming as he taped up the last of his books.

"Ready to go get pizza?" Liam asked, his voice a warm rumble. She nodded, her throat suddenly dry. The simple question, the casual invitation, struck her like a physical blow. He was leaving. He was *really* leaving.

The pizza, greasy and delicious, sat untouched on the table. Sarah stared at it, the vibrant colors of the toppings blurring through a sudden sheen of tears. Liam, oblivious, was regaling her with a story about a ridiculous landlord. She laughed, a brittle, strained sound. It felt like she was trying to force a smile. Her fingers kept reaching for the hem of her shirt, twisting the fabric.