Gemotions

"Mom!" Leo called out, his voice a tight, strangled whisper. He saw the photos of the house, the old oak tree in the front yard. His vision blurred. He couldn't quite believe it. It felt like someone had kicked him in the gut. He dropped the phone and ran to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face.

The water offered only fleeting relief. He felt a tightening in his throat, making it difficult to breathe. The bathroom tiles swam before his eyes. He leaned against the cool porcelain of the sink, desperate for something to hold onto.