Gemotions

"Just a quick look, Mom," Liam had said, but he lingered near the property line. The heavy machinery was silent now, but the damage was done. The roof was caved in, the windows were shattered eyes. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, his fists. A wave of heat washed over him, a pressure building in his chest.

He remembered playing hide-and-seek in the tall grass of the backyard, his heart pounding with excitement and the sheer thrill of it. He remembered the feel of his dad's arms around him when he was scared. He bit down on his lip, his gaze fixed on the broken windows.

He took a step towards the fence. He wanted to go closer. He *needed* to go closer. The air vibrated with a strange energy, as if charged. His pulse quickened. He imagined walking inside, touching the remnants of his life, the ghosts of yesterday.