Gemotions

The doorbell rang, a shrill, unwelcome intrusion. Sarah braced herself. She didn’t want to answer. She didn't want to talk. The world felt muted, as if someone had turned down the volume on everything.

It was a delivery man, holding a slender package, addressed to "Mr. Thomas Bell." She signed for it, her hand shaking. Thomas had moved out months ago, after… well, after. She closed the door, the click echoing in the suddenly silent hallway.

She leaned against the door, breathing heavily, the weight of the moment pressing down. She felt like a fragile thing, easily shattered. She let the package fall to the floor.