Gemotions

“Honey, can you grab the mail?” Her husband's voice floated from the living room. She forced a smile. She couldn’t tell him she was completely unhinged at the thought of going outside.

"Yeah, sure," she replied, her voice strained. She opened the front door, peeking outside. The street was clear.

She took a step outside, immediately scanning the perimeter. Her eyes darted around, searching for a flash of brown fur. She grabbed the mail and ran back inside.

She leaned against the door, gasping for breath, her heart still hammering. It was a close call, she told herself. He hadn’t been there. Not this time.