Gemotions

The distinct smell of cardamom and something else, something richer, filled the apartment. Emily's fingers felt cold. She stood frozen in the doorway to the living room. The TV was on, but what drew her eye was the book on the coffee table.

Her partner, Ben, was not in the living room. The book was a language learning guide. The language was Arabic. The book was open to a page with notes and explanations. She felt a lightness in her head and a tightness in her throat.

She turned and went back to the bedroom. It took a moment to realise she was holding her breath.