Gemotions

The weight of the box on Leo's lap was nothing compared to the weight in his gut. He tried to focus on the carefully packed contents, the photographs, the worn copy of "The Hobbit," but his mind kept returning to the news: Ben was leaving, taking his laughter and his easy companionship with him to Texas.

Leo felt a flush creep up his neck, a hot, prickly sensation. He stared at the moving boxes stacked in Ben's living room, feeling a sudden urge to flee, to disappear before the conversation could continue. He busied himself with the packing, avoiding Ben's gaze.

He felt the corners of his mouth twitching, and silently chastised himself for appearing weak. He heard Ben say something about keeping in touch, about regular video calls, but the words were a distant hum. Leo found himself comparing their lives. Ben was always the outgoing one, the one with the easy charm. Leo was... not.

He cleared his throat. "Texas is… big," he managed, trying to sound casual, but the words felt strained.