Gemotions

The detective had been matter-of-fact: "Arson. They found the accelerant in your basement." Liam felt a strange detachment, as if watching a movie about someone else's life. He stood in the backyard, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues, a stark reminder of the tragedy that had taken place within his home. His hands shook as he lit a cigarette, the nicotine offering little solace.

He walked aimlessly around the yard, kicking at the dry leaves that had begun to fall. The house loomed behind him, a dark, silent monolith. He wished he could go back, to when he didn't know. He wanted to fix it, but he didn't know how.

His breath caught in his throat. He felt dizzy, lightheaded. He wanted to collapse. He crushed the cigarette under his heel, the acrid smell mingling with the scent of burning wood, a grim reminder. He needed to move, to do something, anything.