Gemotions

The cold bit at Amelia's cheeks as she emerged from her front door. The old, beat-up hatchback was gone. She'd known the neighborhood was cracking down on abandoned vehicles, but still. Her shoulders went back as she approached the flashing lights.

"Excuse me, officer," she said, her voice clear and strong. "Can you tell me where my car was taken?" Her hand rested on her hip.

The officer, a young man, fumbled with a clipboard. Amelia listened to the explanation about unpaid parking tickets, her gaze sweeping the pristine lawns and freshly painted houses. She had taken pride in her upkeep of the car for years, and now others would pay the price. She walked away from the flashing lights with a firm stride, already mentally calculating the late fees.