Gemotions

The phone vibrated again, the incessant buzz a needle in Leo's eardrum. It was *her*, of course, trying to explain. He slammed his fist on the table, the force rattling the cheap plastic. Across from him, the other man, Mark, who was equally betrayed, flinched. They were in a dingy diner, the greasy smell of the food doing nothing to soothe Leo's frayed nerves.

He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture clumsy and desperate. He'd poured years into this relationship. He’d supported her dreams, endured her dramas. Now, he felt utterly hollowed out, as if someone had reached inside him and ripped out his insides.

"Don't," he finally growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't even try." He stood up, knocking over his chair. He walked out, letting the door slam behind him, the sound a final, decisive act of defiance.