Gemotions

He found the manuscript tucked under the floorboards in the attic, hidden away. The cover, a watercolor painting of a couple, was strangely familiar. The title, "The Other Side of Paradise," felt ironic. His partner, David, had written about their life together. David saw him as selfish.

He slammed the manuscript shut. The sound echoed in the empty attic. He ran his hands through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he still did. The world tilted on its axis.

He went downstairs, his steps heavy. He stood in the doorway, watching David at the kitchen table. David looked up, smiled, and then it became clear. He turned and walked out the door and never looked back.