Gemotions

The words on the screen blurred, the byline a taunting specter. Her carefully constructed world, her hard-won achievements, suddenly seemed to crumble, threatening to take her down with them. She felt a profound sense of unease settle over her.

She picked up the phone, dialing her best friend's number, but the ringing seemed to stretch on forever. The apartment was getting darker, even though the sun had yet to set. A chill crept into the room, raising goosebumps on her arms.

When her friend finally answered, her voice was a near-silent croak. "Something... something terrible has happened," she managed to say. The world seemed to shrink around her, and her voice sounded distant, unfamiliar, almost otherworldly.