Gemotions

The anticipation was almost unbearable. Maria practically bounced into the bookstore, her heart thrumming with excitement. Today was the release day for the new fantasy novel, and she and her best friend, Isabella, had been counting down the days. They’d planned a marathon reading session, complete with themed snacks.

Isabella was already waiting, but her usual bubbly demeanor was replaced with a strained expression. “I have to tell you something,” she began, her voice quiet. "My family is moving to Oregon." The bookstore’s shelves, usually teeming with exciting worlds, suddenly seemed to spin. Maria felt a coldness wash over her, numbing the excitement. The reading session, the novel, the snacks: the day, which had promised so much, was now shadowed by an aching emptiness.