Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, but David couldn't stomach a sip. He sat stiffly across from Chloe. She spoke animatedly, her face alight with her new job. His own expression was a tightly controlled mask.

He found himself subtly distancing, making a physical space between them. The words felt like they were getting stuck in his throat.

He excused himself early, the polite farewell feeling like a betrayal of the true feelings he had. The building's shadows seemed to lengthen as he walked away, a reflection of the darkness in his own heart.