Gemotions

Liam rubbed at his temples, the thrumming headache a dull, persistent ache behind his eyes. He’d been working late all week, and the exhaustion had finally caught up. He leaned against the counter, watching his wife, Chloe, fuss over the stove. He caught her glancing at her phone, then quickly away, a furtive movement he hadn't noticed before. He thought he heard muffled laughter and the way she held the phone to her ear.

She spoke in hushed tones, her words a rapid stream he couldn't decipher. The aroma of rosemary and garlic usually soothed him, but tonight, it only seemed to enhance the sluggishness that had overtaken him. His muscles felt heavy, his limbs leaden. He longed to be in bed, but something about the secretive phone call kept him rooted to the spot.