Gemotions

The dim light of the bedroom cast long shadows as Chloe watched Daniel, phone pressed to his ear, his back turned to her. She recognized the furtive glances, the hushed tones, the way he seemed to be holding himself apart from her. It was a familiar pattern, one she’d seen before, in other relationships.

Her first instinct was to rage, to demand answers. Instead, she sat down on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped in her lap. The familiar ache in her temples throbbed. She remembered all the times Daniel had been there for her.

When he finally hung up, he turned to her, his expression guarded. She gestured toward the bed next to her, patting the space. She offered silence, a safe harbor.