Gemotions

The afternoon light filtered through the leaves, painting dappled patterns on the park bench where they sat. She'd been laughing, her voice echoing with pleasure. She felt unburdened. The world felt fresh and new. She reached for his hand, her fingers interlacing with his. He squeezed back.

He excused himself to "take a quick call." She watched him walk away, and then a nagging curiosity got the best of her. He never left his phone lying around. She picked it up, her fingers tracing the smooth surface. The recent calls displayed a single number, repeated multiple times. The world stopped. She couldn't breathe.