Gemotions

The house across the street was a gaping wound. He stood at the window, watching the progress, his chest tight. He felt a sense of anticipation, but mixed with a deep, unsettling fear.

He replayed every interaction with the neighbor in his mind, trying to find a clue, a sign. He found none. But he couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something. That everything was a carefully crafted illusion.

He watched the neighbor emerge, wiping his hands on his trousers. The man glanced in his direction, offered a smile. He ducked below the window line. He knew he should have waved back, smiled back. He was certain that would make it worse.