Gemotions

Eliza’s vision swam. She hadn’t slept in two days, fueled by cheap coffee and the creeping dread that had begun to consume her. Mark, her online best friend, had messaged her a picture from a cafe. The cafe looked awfully familiar.

Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. She scrambled for her phone, scrolling through their old messages, rereading every single one. Her palms were slick with sweat. He’d never mentioned living in the city. Never hinted.

A shudder ran through her. She felt like she was being slowly, inexorably squeezed. She needed air. She grabbed her keys and stumbled out the door. The familiar scent of rain-soaked pavement offered no comfort.