Gemotions

The car ride was excruciatingly silent. Liam, ever the chatterbox, had been uncharacteristically subdued since he’d dropped the bomb. Amelia stared out the window, watching the familiar landscape blur past. Each passing tree felt like a mile marker, counting down the days until he was gone.

She felt a strange buzzing in her ears. He reached over and touched her hand, a simple gesture that brought a fresh wave of emotion. She flinched.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice full of concern. The word, usually a source of comfort, felt like a judgment. Why didn't he understand?

She pulled her hand away, feigning interest in the passing scenery. The world felt distant, muted. She wanted to scream, to lash out, to stop the car. Instead, she remained silent, the tension radiating between them like a physical force.