Gemotions

The scent of freshly brewed coffee did nothing to soothe Leo’s growing unease. He watched Maria from across the kitchen table. She was typing furiously on her laptop, avoiding his gaze. Earlier, he'd heard her talking on the phone in the garage, her voice low and guarded.

He reached for his own mug, the ceramic cool against his palm. They had always been open with each other, sharing everything. Now, a wall seemed to have been erected between them. He thought about confronting her, demanding an explanation, but the words stuck in his throat.

He took a slow sip of the coffee, its familiar bitterness strangely unsettling. The silence in the kitchen was heavier than ever. He had a tight feeling in his chest, and was finding it difficult to breathe.