Gemotions

“So, you’re telling me he’s a… a *tutor*?” Mark repeated, his voice strained. He hadn’t touched his plate of pasta in twenty minutes. He looked at the half-eaten meal, as if it was suddenly repulsive.

His wife, Sarah, had just broken the news about David's "research scientist" profession. Sarah was chirping about the lovely woman she met at the local supermarket who knew David. Mark felt a prickly heat crawl up his neck. He had envisioned a life where he could brag about his close friend's accomplishments, and now... this.

He excused himself and stumbled to the back patio, where he pulled out a cigarette even though he’d quit smoking years ago. The air felt heavy, the silence in the backyard amplified. He inhaled deeply, the smoke a bitter taste in his mouth.