Gemotions

The news broke at the worst possible time. Daniel's girlfriend was visiting from out of state, and they had plans to celebrate. The feeling of betrayal was a punch to the gut. His research, his words, attributed to a name he didn't know. He felt like his legs were encased in concrete.

He stared at the page, the words mocking him. The celebratory dinner they were scheduled to have was suddenly something to dread. Every conversation, every interaction, now felt tainted. He imagined having to explain it all, and the thought was utterly exhausting.

He wandered into the living room, where his girlfriend was setting the table. She smiled at him, and he managed a weak smile in return. The room looked cheerful, but he felt a creeping sense of dread.