Gemotions

The aroma of cinnamon and spices swirled through the small café. Maria, sitting alone at a small table, savored the deliciousness of her chai latte. The gentle hum of conversation, the soft lighting, the book she was reading—everything was pleasant. Life was good.

Her phone vibrated in her hand. She put it back in her bag. She saw her partner, Alex, emerge from the bathroom, staring at his phone and then hurrying out into the street. She saw him answer the call, his face a mask of anxiousness. The warm feeling of contentment evaporated, replaced by a chill of uncertainty.