Gemotions

The deadline loomed, a black cloud hanging over Ethan. He scrubbed at his temples, the veins throbbing with a dull ache. He slumped in the overstuffed armchair, the cheap fabric scratching at his skin. Across the room, Maya was happily assembling a jigsaw puzzle, her brow furrowed in concentration. The very picture of calm. “Remember that awful drive to the lake?” he asked, his voice gravelly.

Maya looked up, her blue eyes bright. "Oh, yeah! Best road trip ever! We were singing at the top of our lungs." She resumed her task, smiling.

Ethan ran a hand through his hair. “I…I thought we fought the whole time. I recall the silence being so thick you could cut it with a knife. The tension was awful.” He felt the familiar constriction in his chest, the feeling of being trapped.

Maya tilted her head, confused. “Fought? No, we were fine. You were being a grumpy gus, but we were okay. And the lake was amazing!" The gentle nature of her voice felt like a slap. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his spine.