Gemotions

The news arrived in a frantic phone call. The words tumbled out of Sam's mouth, a rapid-fire explanation of a new job, a new city, a new life. I held the phone away from my ear, the sound still filling my head.

I went to the fridge and pulled out a beer, cracked the top, and took a long swallow. The cold liquid did not touch the dryness in my throat. I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the television. The muted sounds of the game filled the silence.

I didn't try to call him back, or text him, or anything. I just sat there. I would wait until he needed something from me.