Gemotions

The phone vibrated on the bedside table. Liam glanced at it, saw the unfamiliar number, and almost dropped his toothbrush. The screen briefly illuminated his face, casting it in an unflattering light. He watched his wife, Emily, sleeping soundly beside him. He felt a wave of nausea, a sudden and overpowering urge to just… disappear.

He snatched the phone and slipped out of bed, retreating to the bathroom. The water from the tap seemed to roar. He stared at his reflection, a stranger staring back.

Emily stirred in her sleep, murmuring his name. He nearly knocked the phone out of his hand. He was gripped by an invisible force, unable to speak, to move.