Gemotions

"I can't do this," Maya choked out, the words catching in her throat. She stared at the overflowing trash bins lining the side of the driveway. They were full of things she'd never see again, but right now, they felt like the weight of the world, and she began sobbing.

Her brother, Liam, remained stoic, calmly surveying the scene, which sent a fresh wave of frustration through her. He was always so collected, so…normal. She, on the other hand, felt like her skin was crawling.

The sunlight seemed too bright, the sounds of the birds too loud. She fumbled for her phone, intending to call someone, anyone, who could make it all disappear. But her fingers fumbled on the screen, her vision becoming blurry.

A cold sweat slicked her body. She imagined her grandmother in her favorite armchair, and she felt a sharp, stabbing pain in her chest.