Gemotions

The cleaning crew had left a week ago. But as he sat in the newly-painted living room, the memory of the detective's visit still lingered, replaying in his mind. The detective's words, the careful way he’d described the murder. Robert felt a tightening in his chest. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, suddenly feeling constricted.

He rose and wandered to the window, avoiding the spot on the floor where it happened. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room, and the silence felt oppressive. He thought about cancelling the housewarming he’d been planning. He could feel a rising tide of shame he couldn’t place. He just wanted to go to bed, pull the covers up over his head, and forget everything.