Gemotions

The clatter of the dishes couldn't mask the hushed tones coming from upstairs. Emily was on the phone again, hidden in the spare room. She had been taking a lot of calls there lately. A heavy feeling weighed on John. He found himself squeezing the dish soap bottle so tightly he thought he would break it.

He dried his hands on the towel, then decided to go upstairs. He stopped short, his hand resting on the doorknob. The voices were clearer now, and the sound of laughter. He felt a wave of nausea, like he was standing on shifting ground.

He turned and went back downstairs, leaving the door untouched.