Gemotions

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Her breath hitched in her chest, a series of short, shallow gasps. She clutched at the flimsy iron gate, her knuckles white, as the golden retriever, a blur of golden fur and unrestrained glee, bounded towards her. The dog had broken free again! Each bark was like a sonic boom through her skull.

"No, no, no," she whimpered, the sound barely audible above the dog’s excited yelps. Her stomach lurched, a sickening sensation of freefall. She wanted to scream, to run, to disappear. All she could do was stand rooted to the spot, paralyzed by the sheer absurdity of it all.