Gemotions

The air in the record store was thick with the scent of old paper and vinyl. Leo, usually a fixture here, had been strangely still, hovering near the new releases section. He kept picking up albums, examining them, then putting them back down. A nervous energy vibrated around him, a barely contained tremor. His usual animated discussions with the shop owner, Mr. Henderson, were reduced to curt nods.

His friend, Finn, had told him on the phone that he was moving. Across the country. This had been an hour ago. Now Finn's face was a phantom in his mind, and the walls of the store seemed to be closing in.

He imagined Finn leaving, the image making his chest feel restricted, like something was pushing down. He finally grabbed a record, a local band they both loved, and gripped it tight. He needed to leave, to get some air, but his feet felt rooted to the spot.