Gemotions

The gym felt oppressive, the rhythmic thud of the treadmills and the clanging weights amplifying the chaos in Ben’s head. He’d gone to the gym to clear his mind, but it was no use. The image of the other man, the man in the photo on his girlfriend, Emily’s, phone, still burned behind his eyelids. He kept seeing that photo, that smile. He’d felt a coldness wash over him the moment he saw it.

He pushed himself harder, desperate to exhaust the turmoil that churned within him. Sweat streamed down his face, but he felt no relief. He couldn't focus on the exercise, his mind replaying every detail, every shared memory that now seemed tainted. He felt as though the oxygen was being sucked from the room.

He slammed his weights down, abruptly stopping his workout. He grabbed his towel, and stormed out, leaving his things behind. He started walking, not knowing where he was going.