Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the art gallery seemed to mock Ethan. He stood frozen, his eyes fixed on a particularly abstract painting, trying to absorb the visual chaos to avoid the even greater chaos inside. The news of Liam’s imminent departure for Oregon hung heavy in the air.

He felt his shoulders hunch, as though he were trying to disappear into his own frame. He fiddled with the strap of his messenger bag, a nervous habit. He felt completely out of sync with the convivial atmosphere of the opening.

He listened to Liam gush about the scenery, the artistic community, the fresh start. Ethan felt a tightening in his throat. He opened his mouth to say something, but only a small, strangled sound escaped. He felt small, insignificant, as he imagined Liam embracing this new chapter without him.

He cleared his throat. He wished he could escape, that he could just melt into the paintings.