Gemotions

The rhythmic click of Liam's keyboard was usually comforting to Maya; it was the soundtrack to their shared work-from-home life. But not today. Today, each click was a tiny hammer blow against her patience. Liam’s hand was always on the phone, a constant, unwanted guest in their apartment.

She couldn't help but notice the way his posture changed. He was usually hunched and distracted when he talked to her, but now he sat upright, his voice a low rumble. He would laugh, a genuine, joyful sound she hadn’t heard directed at her in weeks. She wanted to know what the other person was saying.

She slammed her laptop shut. “I’m going for a walk,” she announced. Her voice wavered. His eyes glanced up for a second before returning to his device.