Gemotions

He stared at the map spread out on the table, his fingers tracing the vast distance separating them. Across the country. The words, uttered with such casual enthusiasm by Ben, had lodged in his throat, a bitter pill he couldn't swallow.

He feigned interest in the details, asking perfunctory questions. But inside, he felt a coldness creeping in, a sense of betrayal. He felt… ignored, overlooked. Why hadn’t Ben talked to him about this?

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his shaking hands. The map seemed to mock him, the vast expanse representing a loss, a separation he wasn't prepared for. He silently pushed the map away.