Gemotions

The takeout containers felt heavy in Leo’s hands, the greasy scent of General Tso’s a familiar comfort. He kicked the door shut, the sudden silence of the apartment hitting him like a physical blow. He heard a rustle from the living room. "Hey, babe, I'm home!" he called out, voice cracking slightly.

His boyfriend, David, emerged from the shadows. Leo noticed a book clutched in his hands, its cover unfamiliar. "Hey," David said, a nervous flicker in his eyes. He gestured towards the book.

Leo placed the food on the coffee table. He felt his throat tighten. "What's that?" he asked, trying to sound casual, but his knuckles were white where he gripped the takeout bags. The air in the room seemed to thicken. David began to speak, and Leo, suddenly, couldn't quite catch the words. He felt his heart begin to pound.