Gemotions

The drumming in his ears was almost deafening. His breathing was rapid, shallow, as he sat across the table from Olivia, his friend. The waiter had just placed their plates, but the food was a distant afterthought. He poked at his pasta.

He found out about Olivia’s deceit yesterday afternoon. She always claimed to be a successful art dealer. The truth was that she worked at a local gallery. Not a curator, but rather the lowliest of the lowly. The lie left a terrible taste in his mouth.

He swallowed hard. He felt as if a heavy weight had been strapped to his chest. He managed a weak smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He tried to speak but found he was unable to.