Gemotions

The click of the headset returning to the cradle was the only sound in the quiet kitchen. Sarah stood frozen, a half-filled mug of tea trembling in her hands. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop; she’d just been returning from the bathroom when she heard the low murmur of Michael’s voice coming from the den. Now, she felt a prickly sensation crawl up her spine. He’d hung up the moment he saw her.

He was grinning, though the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Just a quick call from the office, honey," he said, too quickly, gesturing vaguely towards the window. “Everything okay?”

She nodded slowly, the tea suddenly tasting like metal. A sudden chill swept through her. The air conditioning was on, but it didn't feel like that. She watched him, really *watched* him, for the first time in what felt like forever.