Gemotions

The apartment felt cavernous, the silence amplified by the lingering smell of burnt toast. Liam stared at the empty cat bed he'd impulsively bought. He hadn't asked Maya. He knew he hadn't. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach every time he saw it.

He’d tried to rationalize it – a fluffy distraction, a furry friend. But the truth was, he'd been lonely. He'd wanted the company, the unconditional affection. Now, he just wanted the floorboards to swallow the evidence of his transgression.

He picked up the phone, scrolling through his contacts. He hesitated, then slammed it down. He was stuck. He could only anticipate the upcoming confrontation. The way Maya had withdrawn, the way her smiles didn't quite reach her eyes anymore.