Gemotions

The flickering neon sign outside the diner seemed to buzz in time with the anxiety building inside George. The revelation about Ben – that his fancy tech job was actually answering phones at a help desk – had left him reeling. They’d spent years laughing about their futures, about Ben’s "innovative solutions."

He nursed his coffee, the bitter taste a stark contrast to the sweetness he'd associated with their friendship. He looked out at the street. The bustling city, usually a source of energy, now seemed alien and cold.

He thought about the lies, the elaborate stories, and felt a wave of nausea wash over him. He set the cup down abruptly, the clink echoing in the almost-empty diner.