Gemotions

The news arrived via a hastily-arranged video call. Michael leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, as his best friend, Ben, excitedly detailed his plans to relocate to Florida. The background of Ben's room was blurry; a sun-drenched beach, a palm tree, and a vague shape that might have been a pool.

Michael listened to Ben, a wave of disbelief washing over him. The whole thing sounded staged, too good to be true. He’d known Ben for years, and the guy was notoriously prone to exaggeration.

"Sounds fantastic, Ben," Michael finally said, his voice flat. He tried to sound enthused, but he felt like he was watching a play, a performance. He had a strange feeling of dread.