Gemotions

The restaurant buzzed with Friday night energy, but for David, it was a sound track to a personal tragedy. He picked at his pasta, the food suddenly tasteless. Across the table, Mark, his best friend since kindergarten, was recounting his plans for the move, his voice brimming with excitement. David's smile felt brittle, as if it might crack at any moment.

He kept interjecting with questions, seeking reassurance that their bond would survive the distance, even as he knew the answers were meaningless. Each positive response, each promise to stay connected, only seemed to sharpen the ache in his chest. A sudden wave of nausea rolled over him. He excused himself, escaping to the bathroom, where he splashed cold water on his face, trying to wash away the feeling of displacement.