Gemotions

The hum of the refrigerator filled the kitchen. James found himself staring at the wall, thinking of nothing. The minutes seemed to crawl by. He needed to get out, he needed to do something, anything. His hands fidgeted, tracing the patterns on the wallpaper.

The call came. His partner, David, took it in the study, and James could hear the hushed tones through the closed door. When David returned, his usual easy smile was replaced with a forced composure. He was acting different. Something was off.

"I’m going out," David said suddenly, not making eye contact. The words felt like a punch.