Gemotions

The aroma of incense filled the apartment, masking the usual scent of coffee. He found her, Maya, sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by candles, chanting. The words were unfamiliar, a melodic flow that echoed around the room. It was Sanskrit.

He stood in the doorway, his arms crossed. He had a tight feeling in his chest.

She opened her eyes, startled, and the light from the candles flickered across her face. Her smile seemed forced, unnatural. He’d noticed a certain tension in their recent interactions, a distancing. Now, it was clear. She'd been practicing something, keeping something from him. He couldn’t bring himself to speak, his throat constricted. He turned, retreating back the way he came.