Gemotions

It was a low, dull ache inside her, a persistent unease that she couldn’t shake. Claire found herself avoiding eye contact with Mr. Harrison in the grocery store. His quiet demeanor felt menacing now. She had never known he had so much.

She listened intently to every conversation at the coffee shop, filtering the words. Every detail, no matter how small, seemed to take on a new significance. The way he held his coffee cup, the color of his car, the briefest glimpse of a luxury brand on his wrist – all became data points.

She started locking her car. Twice.