Gemotions

The laptop screen glared, reflecting the dim light of the living room. Sarah stared at the listing, the familiar porch swing swaying gently in the grainy photos. It had been years. Her breath hitched. She slammed the laptop shut, the sound echoing in the silent apartment. A wave of nausea rolled over her, and she had to sit down quickly, clutching her stomach. The memories, unwelcome and insistent, began to crowd her mind. She needed to breathe.

She needed to get out. The air in the apartment felt thick, heavy. Throwing on her coat, she stumbled out the door and into the biting cold. The icy air did little to soothe the building pressure inside her chest. Each step felt like a monumental effort.