Gemotions

The rain was lashing against the windows, mirroring the tempest brewing inside him. He'd been looking for his keys, and found a notebook, hidden away. Inside, in his neat handwriting, were phrases in his girlfriend’s native language. Sentences about love, about missing her, about wanting her. The realization hit him like a physical blow.

He found her in the living room, curled up on the sofa with a book. She looked up, startled, as he approached. His heart hammered against his ribs. He felt a sudden dryness in his mouth.

"Do you know…" he began, his voice barely a whisper. She looked at him quizzically. “Was it your idea that we try the French restaurant tonight, chéri?” she asked. When the words left her mouth, every hair on his body seemed to stand on end. His hands clenched into fists, the urge to reach out for her overwhelming. He wanted to pull her close, taste the words on her lips.