Gemotions

The cat, Winston, was her only companion. Michael had adopted him after the breakup, and now he was the only warm body in the house. The house was supposed to be a refuge. The estate agent had highlighted the "seclusion." Now, he knew it meant something else entirely.

A detective paid him a visit, his face grave. He informed Michael that the house was the site of a kidnapping. He showed him the evidence, the missing person's picture. Michael felt a pang in his chest, an echo of the fear he used to feel.

He started locking all the doors and windows. The shadows in the corners of the rooms seemed to lengthen, to twist into dark shapes. Winston, sensing his unease, kept close, rubbing against his legs, purring in a futile attempt to offer comfort.