Gemotions

The click of the lock, the quiet echo of his footsteps – the familiarity of his apartment provided a sense of calm for Noah. He shed his coat, letting the day's stress melt away. He loved his routine, the simple order of his life, and the comfortable certainty of it all.

He had promised to cook dinner for Chloe, a long-awaited evening. He hummed a tune as he chopped vegetables, anticipating the easy conversation and the shared meal. He had been dating her for months, and each day was better than the last.

A key turned in the lock. Not his key. A woman entered. She saw him. She saw the food. Her face went pale. Noah saw the familiar face. Her eyes filled with tears, and she took a step back, as if she'd been physically hurt.