Gemotions

The metallic clang of the tow truck was still echoing in Amelia’s ears. She stared at the empty space on the gravel, where her beat-up Subaru had been. Empty. She'd been so sure she could get away with it, that she could keep the expired tags a secret for just one more week. Now, the hefty fine loomed, a physical weight in her stomach.

She ran a hand through her hair, the strands catching on her chipped fingernails. A wave of nausea washed over her. It was stupid. She was stupid. Why hadn't she just taken the ten minutes to renew the damn registration last week? Now, she'd have to explain to her boss why she was late, again.

Amelia kicked a pebble, sending it skittering across the driveway. The sun, suddenly harsh, seemed to mock her. She wished she could rewind time, go back to last Tuesday, and just… do it right.