Gemotions

The crisp autumn air nipped at Elias's exposed skin as he strolled through the park. He saw Clara, his partner, sitting on a bench ahead. She was talking on the phone, her posture tense, her body language shielding her from view. He knew the drill.

He quickened his pace, but not urgently. A detached observation was enough. He’d noticed the way her voice changed, the hushed tones, the quick exits from rooms. It had become a background noise to his life.

He reached the bench, pretending to be surprised. “Hey,” he said, his voice flat. She ended the call quickly, her face a mask of practiced calm.

"Just my sister," she said, giving a tight smile. He nodded, then bent to tie his shoelace. The fallen leaves crunched beneath his feet. The world had more pressing demands on his attention.