Gemotions

“Are you even *listening*?" Mark barked into the phone. The tremor in his voice was unmistakable, though he fought to keep it down. "A new job? Seriously, Ben? You just... decided?" He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands as if trying to rip the news from his head.

He could practically *see* Ben on the other end, his usual easy smile probably plastered across his face. That smile, usually so comforting, now felt like a deliberate provocation.

The room felt stifling. He felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if a physical weight had just settled on him. He turned away from the window, unable to bear the thought of sunlight, of brightness.