Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, a familiar comfort. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Sarah hummed along to the radio, arranging sunflowers in a vase. She glanced at the phone on the counter, remembering that Michael was working late. No big deal, she thought, reaching for a blueberry muffin.

The phone rang. It startled her, the sharp trill slicing through the domestic tranquility. Automatically, she reached for it. Michael’s ringtone. Strange. He never called from work. She hesitated.

“Hello?” she answered, a slight frown creasing her brow. A woman’s voice, hushed and breathy, answered. “Is Michael there?” Sarah’s hand tightened around the phone. A knot formed in her stomach. “No,” she replied, her voice steady despite the sudden chill. “He’s not.” She hung up, the weight of the receiver suddenly heavy in her hand.