Gemotions

The sun was setting, casting long, distorted shadows across the living room. James watched his partner, Chloe, carefully watching her, as she hung up the phone. Her face was flushed, her smile too wide, too bright. He felt a disconnect, as if he were observing a stranger.

"Who was that?" he asked, his voice flat. He kept his gaze averted, focusing on the dust motes dancing in the golden light. He knew the answer, and he dreaded the confirmation.

Chloe’s answer came easily, but it didn't lessen the strange, constricting feeling in his chest. His fingers twitched with the need to do something, to break something. He wanted to feel the release.