Gemotions

The new neighbors were coming over for coffee. It was the first time they'd met. Mark felt a nervous energy building as he put the kettle on. He had a tight feeling in his throat. He’d gone overboard, cleaning until every surface gleamed. He wished he'd never seen those police files.

He opened the door, plastering on a smile. He greeted his neighbors. Conversation flowed, pleasant and polite. But he couldn't shake the image of the police tape, the grim details.

He kept refilling their coffee cups, nervously talking about the latest renovations. He was desperate for them to like him. He felt the sweat beading on his forehead as he talked about the kitchen, the room where the incident had taken place. He felt a desperate need to show them how ordinary his life was. He kept gesturing emphatically, willing them to believe him.