Gemotions

She saw the listing pop up, a bright red alert in her email. The subject line, “Your Old Family Home,” vibrated with an unwelcome energy. Her chest constricted, a knot forming in the center of her ribcage. She inhaled, trying to take a deep breath to calm the discomfort.

The photos, all sharp angles and staged furniture, sent a shiver through her. Gone were the familiar imperfections, the chipped paint, the worn porch swing that had held countless summer evenings. Now it was just… *that*.

“Damn,” she muttered, her voice a low growl. She wanted to scream. She wanted to burn the screen. She didn’t know which would feel better.