Gemotions

The apartment felt too small, the walls closing in. He paced back and forth, the rhythmic sound of his steps the only sound besides the quiet hum of the refrigerator.

Earlier, Maya had texted him about their trip to the beach, fondly reminiscing about the waves, the sunshine, and the laughter.

His own recollections were of a sunburn that wouldn’t quit, a persistent feeling of inadequacy, and a devastating secret that he had held onto ever since. It was as if they had been on different planets. He stopped pacing and stared at the door. He just wanted to be alone.