Gemotions

The low hum of the television filled the apartment as Michael stared at the ceiling. He felt as if he was waiting for the other shoe to drop, the crushing moment when everything would unravel. He’d heard the hushed whispers, the averted eyes, the way Jessica had started to flinch when he touched her.

The door clicked open and Jessica walked in, her face flushed and her eyes sparkling. She kicked off her shoes and dropped her purse on the floor.

"Guess what?" she said, her voice filled with an excitement that made his heart skip.

He looked at her, then back at the ceiling. He had been bracing for a huge explosion, but what came next was like the gentle whisper of a summer breeze.

“I got that promotion!” she chirped, beaming at him. “And it’s a BIG one.” He rose from the couch and wrapped his arms around her, his arms feeling loose and easy.