Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast long, dancing shadows across the living room walls. She watched him, hunched over his laptop at the kitchen table, a smile playing on his lips. His movements were unfamiliar, hesitant. He usually sprawled, a picture of relaxed comfort. Now, he sat rigidly, his shoulders tense. A low hum of concentration emanated from him. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach, a coldness spreading through her chest. What was he doing?

She cleared her throat, the sound unusually loud in the sudden silence. He jumped, the laptop nearly sliding off the table. He turned, his smile strained, a sheen of sweat on his forehead. "Just… working," he stammered, his eyes darting away from hers. She felt a tremor in her hands, an urge to flee.