Gemotions

The air crackled with excitement as Marcus finished the final brush stroke on the mural. The colors exploded on the wall, a riot of blues, greens, and yellows, reflecting the sheer joy bubbling within him. He felt an intense focus, a deep satisfaction that spread from his fingertips to his toes. He was on top of the world. He was living the dream with Maya.

He’d left his phone on the table; something he never did. He picked it up to send a celebratory text to Maya. But the call history displayed a single, consistent number, repeatedly contacted, and a name he didn't recognize. A wave of nausea washed over him, the bright colours of the mural suddenly seeming to dim. His hands started to shake.