Gemotions

“Is this real?” Maria whispered, her voice barely above a breath. Her fingers shook as she clutched her phone. The familiar street address, printed in bold, stared back at her. The house, her childhood home, was on the market.

Her pulse quickened. She felt a sudden urge to stand up, to pace. She hadn't thought about the place in years, not since she left for college. Now, the meticulously staged photos seemed to mock her.

A knot formed in her stomach. She thought about her family, the laughter, the tears, the arguments. All those memories suddenly resurfaced, swirling around her. She couldn't believe it.