Gemotions

"Unbelievable," Clara breathed, her voice a strained whisper as she stared at the shattered remains of the birch tree. It had fallen on the pool shed, crushing it completely. She felt a sharp pang in her chest.

She imagined the phone calls, the meetings with insurance adjusters, the inevitable paperwork. Her head throbbed. She clutched the counter top, trying to regain her composure. She had to stay calm.

She started to tap her fingers on the counter, a rapid, erratic rhythm. Her vision blurred at the edges. She had to sit down, she thought, before she collapsed.