Gemotions

The doorbell rang. She froze. Her breath caught in her throat. She peered through the peephole, heart hammering against her ribs. No one. She slowly, cautiously, opened the door, a sliver at first, then wider. Empty. Just the hallway. A chilling draft swept through the apartment, raising goosebumps on her arms.

She had spent the whole day preparing, baking, cleaning. Now, the carefully crafted decorations felt like a trap. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon, which she had found comforting mere hours ago, now threatened to choke her. She slammed the door, latching it quickly, turning the deadbolt.

She went to the phone and called her best friend, who was supposed to host the party, but she got her voice mail. She hung up without leaving a message. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes.