Gemotions

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient oak tree, but it failed to reach into the depths of Eliza's being. She wandered the yard, the bright colors of the items on display a stark contrast to the monochrome of her mood. The air felt heavy, the sounds of laughter and chatter a constant, irritating drone. She felt a constant tension in her shoulders. She wanted silence. She wanted everything to stop.

She saw him. Beneath a pile of children's books, she saw the bear. Her breath caught in her throat. She felt a strange, cold numbness spread through her limbs. She knew, with a sudden, chilling certainty, that this was a turning point. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic, desperate rhythm. She moved toward it, and felt as though she were walking through wet cement.