Gemotions

He stared at the digital clock on the microwave. The ticking seemed to amplify the silence. He'd poured the wine. He'd set the table. He'd put on his favorite music. Now, the apartment felt empty, echoing with a silence that was deafening. The messages. From Jake. Then, from Sam. Identical.

A coldness settled in his bones. His breath hitched in his throat. He felt like his body was shutting down. He tried to speak, but no sound would come. He stumbled backward, his legs suddenly weak.

He was unable to function.