Gemotions

He found the laptop open, the glow of the screen reflecting in his widened eyes. The title: “The Architect of Silence,” and then, a chapter titled, "The Bridge". He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly thick. He didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath until he felt a lightheadedness wash over him.

The characters, drawn from their lives, were unmistakable. He, the brooding artist, was portrayed with a harshness that stung. She, the vibrant, free-spirited woman he loved, was…broken. Consumed by a secret. His secret.

He backed away, the screen's light seemed to dim and fade away. He touched his chest, feeling the frantic dance of his pulse. The air felt thin, too thin, as if the oxygen had been sucked from the room. He felt he needed to get out, he needed to breathe.