Gemotions

The world narrowed, the edges of his vision blurring. He stumbled backward, his hand flying to his mouth as if to physically prevent the words from escaping. The text, a declaration of love, was now sitting unread in the inbox of his best friend's wife. He stood frozen, the phone still clutched in his trembling hand.

He saw the kitchen, suddenly unfamiliar and menacing. The ticking of the clock on the wall felt like a countdown. He could feel sweat prickling his skin. How could he explain this? The thought alone made him feel physically ill.