Gemotions

Clara felt a shiver crawl down her spine as she approached the house. She paused, her hand hovering over the doorknob. The wind whipped her hair across her face, stinging her cheeks. This was it. Grandma’s house. She inhaled deeply, the air smelling of dry leaves and something vaguely floral. She didn't know the name of the flower.

She pushed open the door and entered the living room. Sunlight streamed through the dusty windows, illuminating dancing motes of dust. Everything seemed… skewed. The furniture, the placement of the photos, it was all vaguely off-kilter. She ran her fingers across the back of the floral sofa, a knot forming in her stomach. She needed to sit, to collect herself. She looked at the fireplace, a wave of confusion washing over her. Was that always there?

Her sister, Maya, called from the hall, “Clara? You in here?” The sound of her sister’s voice made her feel slightly better, even as she struggled to find the words to respond.