Gemotions

The news landed like a gentle tremor. Sarah, her face already flushed from the humid summer air, felt a warmth spread through her chest. It wasn't the heat; it was the way Liam’s voice cracked slightly as he told her he was moving to Seattle. She reached out, placing a hand on his arm, a soft pressure that seemed to say, *I'm here.* "When are you thinking of leaving?" she asked, her voice steady despite the sudden tightness in her throat.

She knew this meant a huge change. She thought about his favorite coffee shop, and about their tradition of getting a drink there every Saturday morning. She listened patiently as Liam explained his excitement, his dreams, and the reasons for the move.

The next few weeks were a flurry of activity. Sarah helped him pack, sorting through boxes and labeling them with a meticulous care. She baked his favorite cookies, a batch so large it filled his entire kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and butter. Every time he looked at her, she smiled and said, "It's going to be an adventure," knowing the joy and happiness he would experience would outweigh the pain of his absence.