Gemotions

The words echoed in Maya's ears: "I'm moving to Boston." She had known, deep down, that this moment was inevitable, yet the reality felt like a physical blow. A dull ache began in her chest, but when she saw the unbridled enthusiasm on Leo's face, she pushed it down.

She sat next to Leo on the park bench, watching the leaves of the autumn trees fall. She nodded along as he described his plans, carefully composing her features into a mask of delight. "That's wonderful, Leo," she said, her voice a little higher than usual.

After he left, she took to writing him a letter everyday, detailing her own experiences and all that she missed about his presence. She made a point of calling him at the end of each day, just to hear his voice and know that he was doing well. She knew that he would do great things, and that made her smile.