Gemotions

The old Victorian house creaked softly as the wind whispered through the trees outside. Claire was curled up on the sofa, a warm blanket wrapped around her. Thomas, her husband, was in his study, supposedly working on a report. She felt a peacefulness she had cultivated over many years.

The sudden chime of his phone jolted her. It was a new ringtone. A name she did not recognize flashed across the screen.

Claire pushed back the blanket. The fire, which had been so cheerful, now seemed to cast long, dancing shadows on the walls. She felt as though the floor had begun to tilt.