Gemotions

The photographs were like a physical weight in his hands. The photos showed his parents, smiling, holding hands with people who were once his enemies. The stories he'd been told were about bitter feuds and unwavering loyalty. He felt the blood drain from his face.

He backed away from the photographs, as if they were poisonous. He noticed every creak of the floorboards, every shadow cast by the setting sun. He was unable to shake the feeling of being watched. He began to sweat.

He ran to the window and looked out. He quickly checked the locks. He told himself it was just the wind, but he couldn't shake the sensation that someone was always observing.