Gemotions

She rubbed her arms, though the sun was blazing. The empty space in the driveway screamed at her. She’d been so careful; why now? She ran a hand through her hair, the strands tangling in her fingers. She knew it, she just *knew* something was wrong.

She peered over the fence into her neighbor’s yard, at Mr. Henderson meticulously pruning his roses. Did he see something? He was always watching. His shadow seemed to lengthen, stretching towards her. A knot tightened in her stomach.

She slammed the door and fumbled with the deadbolt. She couldn't breathe. Her pulse thrummed in her ears, each beat a hammer against her skull. The silence of the house was oppressive, thick with unspoken accusations. She began to wander, pulling the curtains shut.