Gemotions

The quiet of the late-night diner was almost suffocating, mirroring the tension that had consumed Maria for weeks. She'd caught her husband, Leo, on the phone, whispering into it, his face a study in secrecy. He returned to the table, and she held her breath, awaiting the blow.

Leo sat down, his face etched with something she couldn't name. He stared at his coffee, then looked at her.

"I've been planning this," he said, his voice soft, "For months."

She braced herself, but when he raised his head her eyes opened wide.

"I quit my job to follow my dreams," he announced. "We're moving to Italy."

The leaden weight that had been pressing down on her seemed to lift. The air in the diner felt lighter, the aroma of coffee sweeter. She let out a laugh, and the laugh kept coming.