Gemotions

The phone lay on the counter, a silent testament to her blunder. The flirty text, meant for her husband, had gone to her husband's mother. She felt her chest tighten. The air in the kitchen felt suddenly close and humid.

She moved from the counter and started running water in the sink. She began to scrub a pan, though she'd already washed all the dishes. She scrubbed harder and harder, until the metal squeaked under the pressure.

She imagined her mother-in-law's reaction, the slight intake of breath, the raised eyebrow. She knew she'd be getting a lecture, even though nothing had happened. She wanted to scream.