Gemotions

The tiny apartment felt too small, the air thick and oppressive. Michael paced the length of the living room, the worn rug feeling rough beneath his bare feet. He stopped at the window, peering out at the street. Everything seemed normal. Too normal.

His fingers clawed at his chest, as if trying to soothe a phantom itch. He'd been looking forward to this, the one day when he was the central focus.

A sudden sound from his phone – a single, solitary ping – made him jump. His stomach seemed to clench in on itself.