Gemotions

He quickly shoved the list back into the drawer. “Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.” “Learn to play the drums.” “Open a bakery.” The paper felt almost obscene in his hands. He'd found it while looking for a stapler, which felt like a betrayal of his partner’s privacy.

A prickling sensation crawled up the back of his neck. The room felt smaller, the walls closing in. He imagined his boyfriend, Leo, conquering mountains and baking delicious treats, and felt a strange sense of… disquiet.

Later, he avoided the usual evening conversation. Instead, he occupied himself with tidying the already-clean kitchen, scrubbing at surfaces as if trying to erase something. He kept glancing at Leo, and each look was fleeting, uncomfortable.