Gemotions

The chill in the air seemed to intensify the flush creeping up his neck. He'd meant to text his buddy, Ben, with a cutting assessment of the ridiculous Instagram post by his ex-girlfriend, Chloe. He'd meticulously crafted each barb, savoring the thought of Ben's agreeing laughter. But it had gone to Chloe.

He reread the message, the words now tasting like ashes in his mouth. He pictured Chloe, reading it, her expression shifting from surprise to…something else. He didn't want to know. He felt a wave of nausea.

He threw his phone onto the bed, the screen facing down, a gesture of futile defiance. The silence in the room was deafening. He considered running away.