Gemotions

The tiny, cramped apartment felt even smaller now. Lena ran her hand through her hair, a frustrated gesture she’d repeated a dozen times. She found the manuscript, tucked between her partner, Kai’s, journals. Everything was there: her anxieties, her insecurities, her dreams… all twisted and embellished for literary effect.

Her breath hitched in her chest. She felt a burning sensation in her throat. She slammed the book shut, the sound echoing in the silent room.

She would have normally cooked. Tonight, she just couldn't. Later, she saw Kai. He was humming as he made dinner. "Can you believe what a day I had?" he asked, not turning to look at her. Lena couldn't manage a response. She sat down, her appetite suddenly gone.