Gemotions

The takeout containers felt heavy in Leo’s hands, almost too much to carry. He shuffled his feet on the cracked pavement, the paper scraping against his skin. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the cool evening air. He should’ve called. He should’ve at least texted. Now he was just standing here, outside Maya’s apartment, clutching her favorite Pad Thai, the knowledge that she was leaving twisting in his gut.

He pressed the doorbell, his finger lingering on the button. The buzzing echoed, loud in the sudden quiet. He chewed the inside of his cheek, waiting. The door opened, and Maya stood there, a bright smile on her face that seemed to shatter a little when she saw him.

"Leo! What a surprise." Her voice was cheerful, but it sounded fragile, like spun glass. He knew, he *knew*, that this was it. He held out the food. "Dinner?" he croaked.