Gemotions

He saw the notification as he was preparing dinner. His hands fumbled with the knife, nearly slicing his finger. Emily Carter. The name alone was enough to make him drop his utensils. He stood frozen, the scent of the browning onions filling the air, a stark contrast to the icy dread that had flooded his system.

He quickly turned off the burner, and leaned against the counter for support. The room felt stifling, the ordinary objects around him suddenly alien and threatening. He pictured her face, twisted in its cruel smile, and a cold wave of revulsion washed over him. He felt as if he was shrinking, becoming small and vulnerable again.

He needed to escape. He fled to the living room, collapsing onto the couch and staring blankly at the television. The muted sounds of the game show offered little solace. He needed to get away, to be alone, to somehow make the feeling in his chest go away.