Gemotions

The note was on the kitchen counter, scrawled in Maya's familiar handwriting. "Moving to Portland! Details to follow. XOXO." A strange pressure filled Elias's chest, making it hard to breathe. He stared at the refrigerator, as if the answer to some complex equation might magically appear on its metallic surface. His hand reached out, then retracted, as if physically repelled by the glossy white paint. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture more frantic than usual. This didn't make sense.

He walked into the living room, the space suddenly felt vast and unfamiliar. The sunlight streaming in through the window seemed harsh, revealing dust motes dancing in the air. He sat on the couch, the cushions offering no comfort. His phone lay on the coffee table, a glowing rectangle he suddenly couldn't bring himself to touch. What did “details to follow” even *mean*?

His mind replayed their last conversation. They'd been discussing the new coffee shop opening downtown. He had made a joke about their usual spot. Was this the precursor to something else? His brow furrowed as he stared at the wall. The world seemed to be turning at a different speed.