Gemotions

The laptop hummed, its screen reflecting the fury churning in Amelia’s chest. A novel. A thinly veiled, cruelly accurate depiction of their relationship, penned by Daniel, her supposed soulmate. He'd been so eager to show her his writing, to read excerpts. Now, she understood why. Every flaw, every insecurity, every petty argument – all preserved in the digital amber of his prose.

She felt a tremor in her hands as she scrolled through the last chapter. A character, clearly based on her, was depicted as selfish, emotionally stunted, and ultimately, unlovable. A slow smile spread across her face. He wanted a story? She’d give him one.

The next morning, Daniel found his car keyed. A single, long scratch down the passenger side door. He was distraught. Amelia feigned concern, offered hugs, and then, subtly, suggested he'd parked too close to a particularly sharp shrub. He never suspected.