Gemotions

The text message – “Big news! I’m leaving…” – had hit Chloe like a physical blow. She sat frozen on the park bench, the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves blurring through a sudden film over her eyes. The laughter of children nearby grated on her nerves.

Her chest constricted, making it difficult to breathe. She clutched her phone, her knuckles white. Maya, her best friend, the one person who always understood, was going. To another state. Away from her.

A tear escaped, tracing a cold path down her cheek. She scrubbed at it, trying to regain some semblance of composure. She had to be happy for Maya, she told herself. But a deep, throbbing sadness began to make itself known, a painful acknowledgment of change.