Gemotions

The scent of sawdust and something acrid, almost metallic, filled Maya’s nostrils. She crossed her arms, leaning against her own front door, as the demolition crew began tearing down the porch of the house next door. She had always found Mrs. Rodriguez to be a very private person, but this… It was a shock, she had no idea the house needed so much work.

It was almost as if the foundations of their shared world were shifting beneath her feet. The workmen were all strangers, speaking in a language she didn’t understand. She took several deep breaths, trying to center herself. It was just a remodel. Shouldn’t be a big deal, she thought.

She had to remind herself to breathe, the air seemed to be thin and lacking oxygen all of a sudden.