Gemotions

The crisp afternoon air did little to soothe the sweat that slicked Elias's palms. He gripped the letter tighter, the cheap paper crinkling in his fist. He hadn’t expected this. Not after all this time. He glanced at the locked front door, then back at the envelope. His breath hitched in his chest, shallow and rapid. He wished he could just disappear.

He moved on shaky legs, placing the letter carefully on the worn kitchen table. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. He couldn't seem to focus on anything. His heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence. He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands, a nervous habit he'd developed long ago.

The phone rang, jolting him. He flinched, then slowly, deliberately, reached out to answer it. The caller ID displayed a number he didn't recognize. He held his breath, the plastic receiver cool against his ear.