Gemotions

The news had been delivered during a boisterous game night at Leo’s place. The laughter, the clatter of dice, the shared pizza—all had suddenly become a mocking echo. He felt a chill creep up his spine. "I'm heading to Denver," Ben had announced, his grin a little too wide. "Big opportunity."

Leo excused himself to go to the bathroom. He leaned against the cool tile, feeling the sudden, suffocating urge to throw up. He focused on his breathing, trying to calm the rapid beat of his heart. The fluorescent lights seemed to pulse, amplifying the pounding in his head. Returning to the party, he found himself unable to meet Ben's eyes, the games and food suddenly tasteless and flat.