Gemotions

The package was leaning against the door, an ominous greeting. The addressee was the former owner, Mr. Harding, a man known for his unusual hobbies and his sudden departure from the apartment. She was certain his former activities would not be of interest to her.

She took a deep breath, and then another. She made a cup of tea, and left it untouched. The silence in the apartment felt oppressive. She switched on the television, then turned it off.

She sat on the sofa, her hands clenched in her lap. The package stared back at her. It was a dark, silent promise. She found herself whispering a prayer, a desperate plea for normalcy. She knew that her life, and her peace, would never be quite the same.