Gemotions

The packed boxes in Liam's living room seemed to shrink the space, making the familiar furniture appear alien. He ran a hand over the worn leather of his favorite armchair, the one they’d spent countless hours sprawled in, talking late into the night. Now, it was just him, and the approaching silence of an empty apartment. He should have said more, done more, when Mark had first mentioned the job opportunity in California. Now, it was too late.

He picked up a framed photo of them both, laughing, on a camping trip. A tight band clenched in his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He’d been so focused on his own life, his own career, that he'd somehow neglected to fully appreciate the time they had. The knowledge sat heavy, a stone in his stomach.

"So, ready to go?" Mark’s voice, cheerful, broke through the quiet. Liam swallowed, forcing a smile. “Yeah, ready as I’ll ever be.”