Gemotions

The phone vibrated again, the tiny thrum a violation in the quiet room. He always hid the screen, shielding it with his body. Michael, across the room, observed the interaction. The casual movements felt like betrayal.

Later, he found himself pulling the duvet tighter, even though the room was warm. His own body felt cold, hollow. He could feel it, a gnawing bitterness, growing in his stomach. He wasn't particularly hungry.

He pictured the phone clutched in his lover's hand. He imagined the words being spoken, the inflections and intonations of the conversation, the shared laughter. A bitter taste coated his mouth.