Gemotions

The afternoon sun poured through the living room windows, but all it did was make Liam feel even heavier, hotter. He was losing the battle.

He shuffled into the kitchen, the cool tiles offering little relief. He found David, his partner, meticulously chopping vegetables, humming.

“Hey,” Liam managed, his voice a low groan.

David turned, his face alight. “Konnichiwa, darling! I am practicing Japanese! Thought I'd try and surprise you. You look like you could do with some… something to lift your spirits.”

Liam could barely register the words. The world was becoming a blur, like a watercolor painting left out in the rain.