Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the countertop, the rhythmic tapping a frantic counterpoint to the silence in the kitchen. The list lay open beneath a half-eaten bowl of cereal. “Skydiving: Check.” His jaw clenched. He felt a churning in his stomach. He didn’t know this woman.

He’d always thought he knew Chloe, every quirk, every habit. "Write a novel." The words seemed to jump off the page, mocking his predictability. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging slightly. He'd envisioned a future of movie nights and quiet weekends.

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed excessively bright, almost aggressive. Liam picked up a spoon, then put it down, the metal cold against his palm. He needed to understand. He needed to *know*.