Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Amelia's hands, but did nothing to soothe the icy knot in her stomach. Across the diner table, Liam was practically vibrating with excitement, detailing the dream job and the cool apartment he’d found in Seattle. Amelia just nodded, focusing on the way the sunlight glinted off the sugar packets. The waitress asked if she wanted more coffee. Amelia shook her head, then watched Liam scoop up another bite of his pancake. He was already planning weekend visits, talking about how they'd explore the city together. She took a deep breath, the air barely filling her lungs.

He hadn't even mentioned how he’d just *decided* to move, leaving her to figure out how to manage without him. The best friend. The person who knew her better than anyone. He’d barely asked how she felt about it, she realized. It was like she was a supporting character in his life, and he hadn't realized her scenes would be so different without him. She kept the bitter taste of the thought trapped in her mouth.

"That's great," she finally choked out, forcing a smile that felt brittle. "Seattle sounds...amazing." She fiddled with the straw in her empty glass. The silence that followed was suffocating.