Gemotions

The sound of the dog barking made him flinch, even though the noise was coming from the neighbor's property. He whipped around, heart pounding. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple. The bark was a warning, he was sure of it.

He hadn't slept well in days. The dog, he imagined, was a scout, sent to test the waters, a herald of something sinister. He started barricading the doors and windows. Every shadow seemed to lengthen, to take on the shape of a lurking threat.

His reflection in the window seemed unfamiliar, his eyes sunken and hollow. He no longer went outside.