Gemotions

“Wow,” Ben said softly, turning the laptop towards him. His partner, Chloe, had been so secretive about her writing. He had always been curious. He was not prepared for what was written on the page. His character in the novel was a blithering idiot.

He closed the laptop, a slow, deliberate movement. His hands were shaking. He felt a sudden, intense desire to be anywhere but here. The room seemed too small, the air too thick. He went outside, the sudden burst of fresh air stinging his lungs.

He walked around the block, his mind racing. The neighborhood felt alien. He felt a strange disconnection, a sense of profound misunderstanding. He couldn’t seem to catch his breath.