Gemotions

The city lights blurred into streaks of color as the train sped along the tracks. He, Michael, sat in silence, the quiet broken only by the rhythmic hum of the train. His girlfriend, Clara, was across from him, reading a book written in Japanese. He knew she had been learning. He knew her intent.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, scrolling through social media, pretending to be utterly engrossed in the meaningless noise. He was fully aware of her watching him, but he refused to meet her gaze. He tapped his foot, a steady, incessant rhythm, until the train pulled into the station. He stood up and walked off the train, leaving her behind.