Gemotions

“I can’t believe this!” Jake mumbled to himself, the words barely audible. The online discussions with Ethan, the shared music playlists, the intimate confessions – all a secret life now made suddenly, startlingly, real. The message on his phone read, "Saw you at the gym. Small world!" He tossed the phone onto the bed.

He flexed his fingers, a nervous habit, and paced the room. His heart hammered in his chest. He felt a sudden, urgent need to see Ethan, to touch him. He glanced at his reflection and swallowed hard. The gym was only a few blocks away. He needed to go.