Gemotions

The radio, tuned to a station playing classical music, suddenly felt oppressive. The notes, usually calming, now seemed to twist and coil, tightening around her. He’d been humming, earlier. A song in Mandarin. She’d recognized a few words, enough to understand.

Her apartment felt too small, the walls closing in. She felt the sudden urge to run. It had started subtly, a new cookbook, a sudden interest in documentaries. Now, this. Her hands were clammy, her palms slick.

She glanced at the door, then back at the book on the coffee table. Should she pick it up? Investigate? Or just leave? The questions whirled in her head, threatening to consume her.