Gemotions

"Is this… you?" Maya asked, holding the manuscript aloft. The cover featured a woman with fiery red hair, a physical description that perfectly matched her own. Her partner, Ben, looked up from the sofa, his face paling. He stammered a denial, a clumsy attempt that rang false.

Later, she found herself unable to eat dinner. Each bite felt like a betrayal. The food sat like lead in her stomach. She excused herself from the table, claiming a headache.

She retreated to the bedroom and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Tears, unshed, pricked behind her eyes. The space around her felt suddenly small, suffocating. She felt a profound sense of isolation, even though Ben was just down the hall.