Gemotions

The scent of her mother's lavender-infused laundry detergent clung to the air in the guest room. Clara pulled the duvet tighter around herself, even though the room was warm. She’d spent the morning cleaning, an almost frantic energy coursing through her.

She'd scrubbed the bathroom, vacuumed the carpets, and reorganized the pantry, all without being asked. She knew her father had been looking for a specific type of cereal, and she felt a prickle of discomfort when he couldn't find it. She should have known, she should have paid attention.

She felt a tightening in her chest, a physical manifestation of her discomfort. She knew she was becoming a burden. The thought of the expense, the extra work, made her want to disappear.