Gemotions

The children were in the car, chattering about the playground. He was supposed to be happy, but he couldn't. He looked at the empty space, and the feeling was all consuming. It was like a black spot on his vision. A dark stain. He’d promised them he’d take them to see their tree.

He pulled over, the gravel crunching under the tires. The small voices in the back fell silent. He looked at them. They looked at him.

He got out of the car, slamming the door. The sound echoed. Each sound was amplified. Every blade of grass a hidden observer. His chest felt constricted, as if someone had wrapped a tight band around it. Someone was trying to get to him.