Gemotions

The grocery bag felt like lead in Ethan's hands as he walked into the apartment. He heard the familiar sound of his partner, Liam, humming. Except the melody was accompanied by unfamiliar words. Mandarin. Liam had always expressed an interest in other cultures, but… this felt different.

He put the bags down with a thud. His palms were clammy. He felt a wave of heat wash over him.

Liam emerged from the bedroom, a textbook in his hand, a sheepish grin on his face. He began to explain, but Ethan couldn’t hear the words. Everything felt muffled, distant.