Gemotions

The worst part was the way it had been hidden. He’d stumbled upon the novel's first draft on her cloud storage. She'd been so careful, so secretive. He re-read the passages describing him, the character named "Ethan." The character was flawed, certainly, and had problems, and also bore a distinct resemblance to him. But the way she'd written it.

He sat at the kitchen table, staring blankly ahead. He didn't say a word. He just felt an immense pressure in his chest. He felt as if someone had punched him. He could hardly breathe.

He stood up. He walked slowly to the sink and poured the contents of her favorite plant into it. He knew it was childish. He knew it wouldn't solve anything. It was all he could manage.