Gemotions

The letter’s ink had faded, but the message was clear: a forced departure. Her grandfather, a man she'd always seen as strong and infallible, had been driven away. She paced, her breath coming in shallow gasps, the letter clutched in her sweaty palm. It was all a lie.

She felt a growing sense of dread, as if the walls of the house were closing in. The sunlight pouring through the windows now seemed harsh and unforgiving. She felt exposed, vulnerable. Was she next?

She started checking all the locks, slamming the doors shut one by one. She peered out the windows, certain she would spot someone lurking in the distance. The world outside seemed malevolent.