Gemotions

I felt a shiver despite the summer heat. Liam, my supposed architect buddy, had been talking about his "groundbreaking" designs for months. Now, I held the flyer: a gleaming image of a luxury condo complex, "Designed by Liam Carter & Associates." But the address? I knew that address. It was the location of a half-finished, abandoned warehouse project.

My mouth felt dry. The last time I saw him, he'd been dodging my calls. Said he was too busy with "client meetings." I remembered the awkward silence when I asked about his portfolio, his vague answers about "proprietary projects."

I clutched the flyer, the glossy paper suddenly feeling abrasive against my skin. It seemed my stomach was churning. It's like I could feel the wind getting knocked out of me.