Gemotions

The doorbell rang, startling her. She peered through the peephole. A small, wrapped package sat on the welcome mat. The wrapping paper was a garish, childlike print. She swallowed hard, her pulse quickening.

It had to be from Liam. He’d always been… different. She’d tried to help him, of course, but he’d fixated on her in a way that had made her deeply uncomfortable. She didn't want to open the door, didn't want to see him.

She drew the chain, cautiously, but didn't open the door fully. The silence outside was broken only by her own ragged breathing. She slowly reached for the package, her fingers hesitant as she lifted it.