Gemotions

He noticed his hands were shaking as he picked at the lukewarm pizza. Michael, his oldest friend, was detailing the grand plan to move to New York. The details of the apartment, the restaurants he would visit, the adventures he was going to experience.

He felt a sudden, inexplicable heat creeping up his neck. He forced a smile, but his lips felt stiff, unnatural. He took a large bite of pizza, chewing slowly, carefully, as if the act of chewing required intense concentration. He did not say anything, simply nodding occasionally to show he was still there.

"You don't mind, right?" Michael asked, a slight frown creasing his brow.

He swallowed. "Of course not," he replied, his voice barely a whisper. He dropped his gaze to the table.