Gemotions

The pizza felt tasteless. John pushed a slice around his plate, unable to meet Liam's eye. Liam was practically vibrating with excitement about his move to Denver. John's own excitement well and truly evaporated when Liam had broken the news.

The pizzeria, their usual haunt, seemed different tonight. The loud music, the boisterous laughter of other patrons, the smell of oregano – all the things that usually comforted him – now grated on his nerves. He felt a strange sort of disconnect, as if he were observing a scene from a distance.

He remembered all the nights they had spent here, huddled in this very booth, sharing pizza and dreams. Now, that era was ending. He looked around the room, taking in every detail, as if he could somehow imprint the memory onto his brain. He felt a sharp ache somewhere in his chest.