Gemotions

He hadn't expected to be alone tonight. John's partner, Leo, was usually home by now. Instead, the apartment was silent. He saw a draft manuscript on the desk. The title was "The Absent Companion."

He started to read. He felt his breath catch in his throat. The protagonist was a man who felt unseen, unheard, an outsider in his own relationship. The dialogue and details were all familiar.

He felt the prickle of tears in his eyes. It felt like Leo had been living a secret life. He was being dissected and judged.

He closed the manuscript. The apartment was suddenly stifling. He felt a profound sense of isolation. He wanted to escape. He looked out of the window.