Gemotions

The phone rang, and Emily almost dropped the plate she was washing. It was a local number, one she didn’t recognize. Her fingers fumbled with the wet soap, and the plate slipped, clattering against the sink. She ignored the mess and answered.

“Hello?”

A woman's voice on the other end, soft and hesitant, spoke her name. Emily’s breath caught in her throat. Her grip tightened on the phone. The blood seemed to drain from her face.

“I… I’m so sorry,” the voice continued. “It’s been a long time.” Emily listened, her mind racing, the soapy water forgotten, the dishes unwashed. She remained frozen, barely able to speak. The woman continued to apologize, and Emily could only stand there, motionless.