Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as Maya walked toward the house. Her steps felt heavy, leaden. She kept glancing back at her car, as if considering making a run for it. The air was so still, she could hear the distant chatter of the construction workers from yards away.

She had rehearsed what she would say, how she would remain composed. But now, as she neared the front gate, her carefully constructed façade began to crack. Her pulse was hammering in her ears.

She felt a strange, disconnected sensation, like watching a movie of her own life. She had to take a few deep breaths to regain control.