Gemotions

The chipped mug felt suddenly heavy in Maya's hand. The warmth of the tea did little to soothe the sudden chill that had settled in her bones. Across the kitchen table, Liam was beaming, recounting his new job offer in California. She forced a smile, but it felt brittle, like it might shatter.

A tremor ran through her, starting at her fingertips and working its way up her arm. She put the mug down with a clatter, the sound too loud in the sudden silence. "California?" she repeated, her voice sounding thin, almost lost.

"Yeah!" Liam bounced in his chair. "Think of all the surfing, the sunshine! It's amazing." She fiddled with a loose thread on her jeans, her gaze dropping to the worn denim. The distance felt immense, stretching between them like a vast, empty ocean.