Gemotions

He stared at the cover art – a stylized version of their dog, Sparky, looking forlorn. The title: "Sparky's Shadow." Liam had found it tucked away in a drawer, beneath layers of meticulously folded shirts. The novel was a thinly veiled account of their relationship, seen through Sparky's eyes. It was clear that Liam was the villain, the one who left the house, the one who worked too much.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that felt heavy with unspoken apologies. Outside, the wind howled, mirroring the emptiness he now felt. He’d promised to be better, to be there. He’d failed. The manuscript felt like a condemnation.