Gemotions

"But... but you can't!" she blurted out, her voice cracking. The news, a casual announcement of a move to New Orleans, had landed like a thunderclap. Across the coffee shop table, Sarah looked at her, a mixture of guilt and excitement on her face. Her chest felt constricted, as if a great weight had settled upon it. She stared, unable to comprehend the implications of Sarah's statement.

She blinked, trying to clear the sudden, stinging tears that blurred her vision. The noise of the coffee shop, once a comforting background, now grated on her nerves.

Her jaw trembled. "New Orleans..." The words felt like a death knell.