Gemotions

Maya slammed the car door with more force than necessary. Liam, her best friend since they were kids, was practically vibrating with excitement. A new life in Colorado, a dream job, a chance to… "become a better version of myself," he’d said, air quoting the phrase.

She wanted to scream. He knew she hated the mountains. He knew her entire life, her friends, her work, everything she valued was here. He could have told her sooner. Why hadn't he?

She sat in the passenger seat, staring straight ahead, the air thick with unspoken things. He launched into a description of the breathtaking scenery, the outdoor adventures. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, like someone had lit a fire. She didn’t want to hear about any of it.

"That's…fantastic," she managed, her voice clipped. She fiddled with the radio, abruptly switching the station to something loud and angry, just to fill the silence.