Gemotions

"Fantastic," Emily said, her voice flat. She surveyed the attic, her shoulders slumping. The house was supposed to be a fresh start, not another burden.

A forgotten record player, a collection of dusty vinyl records, took up most of the space. Her heart felt as though it was lodged in her throat. She didn't know how to face everything, the work that lay ahead.

She felt a tremor run through her, a physical manifestation of her apprehension. She spotted a framed portrait, a woman with a kind smile. Emily felt like she was a failure already. She needed air, to be outside.