Gemotions

The mundane tasks of the day had left Clara feeling depleted. She’d spent the morning wrestling with spreadsheets, the afternoon navigating the minefield of office politics. Now, all she wanted was to dissolve into the worn cushions of her favorite armchair.

She sighed, a sound heavy with weariness. The apartment felt too quiet.

Her partner, Ben, emerged from the bedroom, a book clutched in his hand. “Did you have a good day, mon amour?” he asked, his voice hesitant, the French accent a little clumsy.

Clara felt a prickle of annoyance. She pushed herself up, needing to move.

“What was that?” she asked, the question sharp. Her shoulders felt stiff.