Gemotions

He felt a knot in his stomach the moment he heard the barking. Michael slammed his book shut, the sound echoing in the sudden silence. He’d been trying to concentrate, but his thoughts kept drifting, always returning to the weight pressing down on his chest.

The back gate squeaked. He knew, he just knew. He rose from his chair, a slow, deliberate movement. His palms were slick.

He saw the border collie bounding across his meticulously kept rose bushes. Michael's teeth ground together. He muttered something under his breath. He had to keep calm, he thought.