Gemotions

He hadn't been expecting it. He'd been talking about the upcoming game and then, "I'm off to Chicago, bud." The words hit him. Matt felt his vision blur and his ears ring. His chest tightened.

He stood up abruptly, knocking his chair over. The noise startled both of them. He mumbled something about needing to go, and hurried out of the coffee shop, the air suddenly thick and hard to breathe.

He walked quickly, his steps erratic. The familiar street felt strange, unfamiliar. He kept replaying the conversation in his head, searching for a sign, a clue, something that would have prepared him. He quickened his pace, needing to get away from everything, from everyone.