Gemotions

The familiar scent of woodsmoke and autumn leaves did little to soothe the knot in David's stomach. He stood on the porch, watching Emily load boxes into her car. He'd known this day was coming, of course. She'd been talking about the opportunity in Denver for months. But now that it was here, the reality felt suffocating.

He jammed his hands in his pockets, the rough denim a small comfort. Her laughter, usually a song to his ears, grated slightly. He watched her, a detached observer of his own life.

“You’ll visit, right?” he asked, his voice flat.

Emily turned, her smile softening. "Of course, silly." The words echoed in the crisp air. He felt the cold seep into his bones, a chilling premonition of the lonely winter ahead.