Gemotions

The news report played on the television, a local story about a volunteer firefighter. There, amidst the flickering images of flames and heroism, was Paul. The man who had been telling everyone he was a successful, globe-trotting entrepreneur.

A cold, heavy stone settled in her stomach. She felt a sudden urge to flee the room, to escape the suffocating weight of the lie.

Her breath was shallow and fast. She stared at the screen, unable to look away, as the world around her began to spin.