Gemotions

The tremor in Leo’s hands was almost comical as he held the framed photograph. The picture of Chloe, beaming in a crisp white lab coat, taken at a "scientific conference." It was all a lie. He'd just seen her, wearing a hairnet and apron, working in a donut factory.

His stomach lurched, a cold, heavy weight settling in the pit. He sank onto the edge of his bed, the photo clutched in his sweaty hand. He thought of all the times he’d deferred to her, the way he'd felt in awe of her "groundbreaking research." He felt a profound sense of foolishness wash over him.