Gemotions

Maya’s fingers drummed a frantic rhythm against the kitchen table. The silence of the house pressed in on her, heavy and stifling. She needed something to break it, anything. She jumped to her feet and began to wash the dishes, though the sink was already empty. Her movements were jerky, agitated.

Later, she returned to the living room, where Leo sat reading the newspaper. She wanted to say something, anything.

"Are you… are you alright?" she asked, her voice tight. He looked up, a puzzled expression on his face.

"Yes, why?" He held up the newspaper. "Learning a little German. What's wrong?" He responded, and Maya’s jaw dropped.