Gemotions

The air left Leo's lungs in a rush. He stared at the screen, the wrong message now a permanent fixture. He’d been trying to coordinate a surprise party with his siblings, but the invitation – complete with a joke about his sister’s dating life – was in her own inbox. His fingers trembled as he reread the words.

He felt a tightness in his throat, making it difficult to swallow. His head throbbed. He leaned against the kitchen counter, suddenly feeling exhausted. He anticipated the explosion that would surely follow. He hated confrontation.

He didn't have the courage to face her right now. He needed to be alone, to process this. He grabbed his keys and wallet, and headed out of the apartment. He needed to be somewhere… anywhere… where the repercussions of his mistake wouldn't reach him for a while.