Gemotions

The news came during their weekly board game night, delivered with the casual air of announcing a grocery run. "Oh, by the way," Emily said, shuffling the cards, "I'm transferring to the New York office." Michael felt the colour drain from his face.

He found himself fumbling with his own cards, the rules suddenly incomprehensible. The laughter and banter of their friends felt like a distant echo. He kept nodding, making noncommittal noises, while a leaden weight settled in his chest. His hands trembled as he reached for a game piece, knocking over a tower of wooden blocks.