Gemotions

The world was shrouded in a haze. Each movement required a conscious effort, a strain on his already depleted reserves. His partner, Michael, was usually up before him, but this morning, he was still asleep. Then, the shrill ring of a phone broke the silence.

He listened, his body rooted in place, as Michael answered the call, his voice soft and low, the words barely audible. He tried to decipher the muffled conversation, but the words were a jumble, leaving him more confused.

Michael hung up, and he turned to him, his face pale. "Who was that?"

"Wrong number," Michael said quickly, his voice tight. The lie hung heavy in the air. The ache in his bones was growing.