Gemotions

The news arrived via a handwritten card. "California dreamin'!" it cheerfully proclaimed. Michael frowned as he read the words. His best friend, Daniel, was leaving. The casual wording felt jarring, almost mocking.

He crumpled the card in his hand, then quickly smoothed it out. He felt a growing sense of unease. He walked around his apartment, touching objects, as if trying to ground himself. His apartment had always been *their* apartment.

He opened the fridge, then slammed it shut. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He wasn’t prepared for this. He re-read the card, the cheerful script now seeming like a cruel joke.