Gemotions

The coffee tasted bitter, a perfect reflection of how Mark felt. Across the small diner table, Sarah beamed, excitedly sketching out floor plans of her new apartment in Denver. He forced a smile, the muscles in his face protesting. He'd known for weeks, of course, but the reality of it felt like a cold stone settling in his chest.

He pushed his plate away, his appetite gone. The fluorescent lights overhead seemed to hum with a dissonant energy, amplifying the hollow ache inside him. He found himself avoiding her gaze, his eyes darting around the diner, fixated on anything but the joyful anticipation radiating from her.

He knew he should be happy for her, that this was a great opportunity. But all he could think about was the gaping emptiness her absence would leave.