Gemotions

He grabbed the phone, the world shrinking into a tunnel. The dial tone buzzed in his ear, a constant, irritating reminder of his helplessness. The dog, a particularly large and boisterous golden retriever, was busy chasing the mailman, a scene of chaos unfolding before his eyes.

"Yes, it's me," he choked out, his voice a tight rasp. He tried to take a deep breath, but his lungs wouldn't cooperate. "The dog... again." He could hear his own heartbeat, a frantic drum against his eardrums. He wanted to scream, but the words wouldn't come.