Gemotions

The wind howled, a banshee wailing through the gaps in the eaves. Sarah clutched her dog, Winston, so tight she thought she might suffocate him. The power had flickered out an hour ago, plunging her house into a premature twilight. Then, a sickening CRACK echoed from outside, followed by a thunderous boom that shook the foundation.

She didn't move for a long moment, simply frozen, listening to the unsettling silence that followed the crash. Her breath hitched. Winston whined, pressing his body against her leg.

Her mind raced. What was that? Was it the roof? She had to know. Slowly, with stiff, reluctant movements, she inched towards the front door, her hand trembling as she reached for the handle.