Gemotions

The gentle rocking of the hammock soothed Daniel as he read his book. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves created a pattern of light and shadow, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a bird. Everything felt simple and uncomplicated. His partner, Michael, had said he was going to run to the store. Then his phone rang.

The store was only a block away, so Daniel was expecting his return momentarily. However, Michael's voice had been tight and anxious. The few sentences Daniel overheard sounded like an argument. He seemed to be arguing with someone, not a salesperson.

Daniel put down his book, a flicker of something unsettling moving in his chest. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, trying to regain the feeling of ease he’d had just moments ago.