Gemotions

The doorbell rang, a jarring sound that sliced through the quiet of her apartment. Sarah froze, hand halfway to the handle. A wave of ice surged through her veins. Her eyes darted around the room, assessing escape routes. Her breath came in shallow, rapid pants.

She pressed her ear against the door, straining to hear any giveaway sounds. Footsteps? The rustle of clothing? Nothing. She peered through the peephole, but the glare of the hallway light blurred everything.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled the chain and cracked the door a sliver. The mail carrier. Relief, tinged with lingering tension, swept through her. She signed for the package, her gaze flitting over the man, scrutinizing every movement.