Gemotions

The telephone rang, shattering the quiet of the late afternoon. It was the call. A stranger’s voice on the other end, explaining about the letter. From her first love's widow. The woman was apologetic. It had been years.

Her hands were clammy. She held the phone tightly. She sat down heavily, her legs feeling like they might give way. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. The details of the accident surfaced.

She placed the phone back in its cradle, and stared straight ahead. She closed her eyes. The room swam into focus and the colors of the wallpaper seemed to pulse. She had to get some air. She needed to.