Gemotions

"So, you're really leaving?" I asked, my voice thin, tight. The words felt like a physical strain to force out. Across the table, Chloe's smile was bright, enthusiastic.

The cafe buzzed with the chatter of other patrons, but I barely registered them. My focus was narrowed, sharpened, trained on Chloe's face. Each shared memory, once a source of comfort, now became a jagged shard.

I picked at the croissant on my plate, appetite gone. I wanted to reach out, grab her arm, and stop her from saying anything else, from sealing their fate. My hands trembled slightly. The thought of life without her sent a shiver down my spine.