Gemotions

Mr. Thompson found a worn, hardcover copy of a book he'd assigned in class years ago, lying on his doorstep. The title was familiar: *Crime and Punishment*. He picked it up. Inside, the pages were dog-eared, with certain passages underlined in red ink. He opened it to the beginning, reading a highlighted sentence. It struck a chord.

He slammed the book shut.

The silence of his house pressed down on him. He felt his heart rate increase. He went and sat on the couch. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He checked the windows.