Gemotions

“Another one?” Claire asked herself, her voice a low murmur in the quiet house. She sat rigid in her armchair, her gaze fixed on the screen. The request was from Michael. A tremor ran through her. She was usually good at keeping herself busy, but this was different.

She hadn't heard from him since the last time she'd walked the halls of the school. Her pulse quickened. She felt a knot in her stomach, heavy and tight. She wished she had never gotten this phone. She just wanted to be alone and disappear.

She pressed the decline button. She didn't want to think about anything else.