Gemotions

The sterile brightness of the office did nothing to alleviate the internal darkness that seemed to cling to Ethan like a second skin. He felt a persistent tightness in his chest, making it difficult to breathe. The hum of the fluorescent lights grated on his nerves. He wanted to scream.

He arrived home later than usual. A sense of dread settled in his stomach as he opened the door. He found him, his boyfriend, Leo, sitting at the kitchen table, a book open in front of him. A book in his native tongue.

Ethan stood in the doorway, arms folded. Leo looked up, a tentative smile on his face. He gestured towards the book. "I'm trying…" His voice was hesitant. Ethan said nothing, just turned and walked away. The silence of the apartment was suffocating.