Gemotions

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a gentle symphony that filled Emily with a sense of utter ease. She sat on the beach, the sand warm beneath her, sketching the horizon. The salty air filled her lungs, and she felt completely present, completely relaxed. Her partner, Ben, had retreated up the beach. He'd been gone for nearly an hour, and had just walked off and answered his phone.

The conversation had been low, a strained tenor that scraped against the harmony of the beach. She could see him talking animatedly, then pausing, listening intently. His posture was different.

She closed her sketchbook. Her usual enjoyment of the day had faded. She stood, the cool ocean breeze now a little less appealing. The warmth had receded from her limbs. She started walking towards him.