Gemotions

The news had hit him like a punch to the gut. Michael, a man who prided himself on his stoicism, felt a sudden, inexplicable tightness in his chest. “I’m leaving in two weeks,” David had announced. Michael had responded with a simple, “Okay.”

He went home and immediately began to work, hoping the familiar routine of code would distract him. But the words swam through his head. He re-read the lines he'd written, again and again, but couldn't focus. He found himself adding unnecessary comments and deleting lines for no reason.

His apartment seemed colder than usual. He opened the window, even though the evening air was brisk. He was seeking a space to breathe. He sat at the kitchen table, staring blankly at the wall, a hollow space inside him.