Gemotions

The weight of the book, *Sophie's Shadow*, felt significant in Liam's hands. He'd found it tucked between her gardening books. Each carefully crafted sentence, detailing her private fears and desires, now felt like a violation. He slumped onto the sofa, the words swimming before his eyes.

He felt a deep, dull ache in his chest, a sensation he couldn't name. He remembered the arguments they had, the silences that stretched for days. Had she been observing him, too? He imagined her, a detached observer, cataloging his flaws, writing them down.

He walked over to the mirror. He barely recognized himself, his face drawn, his eyes clouded. He felt like a stranger in his own home. He started at the sound of the front door closing.