Gemotions

The doorbell's chime echoed through the silent apartment, jarring Clara from her book. She peered through the peephole, her brow furrowing. The courier held a package, small and nondescript. Inside, a single, handwritten note, apologizing for a past transgression. A chill ran down her spine, raising gooseflesh on her arms. She dropped the note on the kitchen counter, backing away until her shoulder blades hit the wall. The air felt suddenly thick, almost suffocating. Her gaze darted around the room, settling on the locked front door. She picked up her phone, the weight of it heavy in her hand, but she didn’t know who to call.