Gemotions

The air in the house felt thick, heavy, as he moved from room to room, his gait stiff, his shoulders hunched. He paused by each window, making sure the curtains were drawn tight, blocking out the outside world. He touched the door locks, testing them. Were they secure?

His heart hammered in his chest, a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He felt like he was standing on the precipice, bracing for a sudden, unexpected jolt. He kept checking over his shoulder, as if expecting someone to be there.

He met his father in the hallway. "You look tired, son," his father said. He forced a smile. "Just a long day," he said, but it wasn't the job that was making him feel this way.