Gemotions

The sun blazed, a mockery of warmth. Sarah watched from her window as the bricklayers skillfully built the new patio. She could smell the barbecue smoke from next door. Mr. Davis had always been so energetic, so eager to share his life. Now, the noise made her want to hide.

She felt a knot in her stomach that tightened with each brick laid. She really didn’t want to go to dinner. It had been easier, before the renovations, when things were quiet. Now, everything was a reminder of her inaction. Her therapist told her it was her time to shine, but the words felt hollow in her mouth.

She curled into the couch and sighed, pulling the blanket tighter, the soft material a futile barrier against the outside world.