Gemotions

The key trembled in Amelia's hand. The cold morning air seemed to seep right through her thin jacket. She’d been certain she’d parked legally. Double-checked, even. Yet, the empty space where her beloved Corolla usually sat now mocked her. A tight band clenched around her chest.

She peered down the street, hoping for a misplaced parking enforcement sign, a simple mistake. Nothing. Just the quiet hum of the neighborhood waking up. Her breath hitched. The knot in her stomach tightened with each passing second.

"This can’t be happening," she muttered, the words barely audible. She reached into her pocket, fingers fumbling for her phone. The icy screen felt slick against her fingertip.