Gemotions

From the kitchen window, Thomas watched the children play in the backyard. Their laughter floated on the summer breeze, a constant, cheerful sound. He sipped his tea, feeling a quiet satisfaction. This was his favorite time of day.

That evening, he noticed his wife, Lisa, constantly glancing at her phone. She would disappear into the spare bedroom, her voice pitched low, the conversation ending abruptly when he approached.

The children’s laughter seemed further away. The tea suddenly felt cold. The quiet satisfaction faded, replaced by something… prickly.