Gemotions

The phone vibrated in Leo's hand, the familiar ringtone taunting him. Across the city, Alex was gleefully describing his move to Denver. Leo listened, the blood draining from his face. His knuckles were white as he gripped the phone. He felt lightheaded, a dizzying sensation threatening to overwhelm him.

"Wow," Leo choked out, his voice a strange, strained sound. "That's… that's fantastic." The pretense of enthusiasm felt like a physical act of violence against himself. He wanted to scream, to lash out, but instead, he forced a shaky laugh.

He hung up, the silence of his apartment amplifying the roaring in his ears. He kicked a stray shoe across the room, the impact satisfying only for a fleeting moment. He needed to be alone; he couldn't stand the thought of anyone seeing him like this.