Gemotions

The scent of lavender, usually a source of calm, now grated on Leo's nerves. He stood in the doorway of their bedroom, the door slightly ajar. His partner, Daniel, was hunched over the computer, a soft glow illuminating his face. Leo felt a cold weight settle in his gut, the same one that had been there all week. He'd stumbled upon Daniel's manuscript by accident.

It portrayed a man consumed by anxieties, mirroring his own struggles. The story detailed his failures, the cracks in their relationship.

He turned away, the words clinging to him, each one a tiny barb. He felt suddenly ill, the world seeming to tilt on its axis. He made his way to the balcony and breathed deeply.