Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. A tightness wrapped around her torso, making each breath shallow and labored. She drove to the house, the familiar streets suddenly unfamiliar. The air seemed thick, heavy, laden with an invisible sorrow.

She parked the car, and just sat there, unable to move, unable to act. The house stood before her, sturdy, silent, but soon to be reduced to rubble. She could feel the weight of countless memories, the echoes of laughter and tears, pressing down on her.

She finally opened the car door and got out, each step a struggle. She reached the front porch, the chipped paint and peeling wood now suddenly precious. She ran her hand over the cold metal of the doorknob, its familiar touch failing to bring any comfort.