Gemotions

The key ring on the kitchen counter felt wrong. It was new, and it included an old, unused key. He had no idea what it unlocked. He was gripped by an inexplicable unease.

Then, he heard a new language emanating from the bedroom. He tiptoed to the door, pressing his ear against it, listening. It was his. She was speaking his language.

He opened the door without knocking. She jumped, startled. She was in front of her computer, the screen displaying a language learning website.

He didn't speak. He just watched her.

She looked at him, her expression a mix of embarrassment and defiance. He felt the cold creep through him, a bone-deep chill. He backed away.

The key on the counter, the website on her computer, the language - it all seemed to coalesce into a single, terrifying thought.