Gemotions

"You're… joking, right?" Sarah stammered, the words barely audible. Across the table, Chloe just shook her head, a sad look on her face. Sarah’s appetite had vanished; she pushed her pasta around her plate, the familiar comfort food now repulsive.

Her chest felt tight, constricting with a rising panic. She ran a hand through her hair, a nervous gesture she often deployed when overwhelmed. The idea of Chloe leaving, of their lives diverging, felt like a betrayal.

She stood up abruptly, the sudden movement nearly upsetting the table. She mumbled something about needing air and fled the restaurant, the bustling crowd and bright lights suddenly feeling oppressive.