Gemotions

He stared at the television screen, the news report about the approaching storm a blurry mess. He hadn’t been paying attention, lost in the hum of the air conditioner. The crash, when it came, felt like a physical blow. The entire house shuddered.

He jumped to his feet, a strangled sound escaping his throat. His hands were clammy, and he felt a cold sweat prickle across his forehead. He ran to the window.

The neighbor’s yard was a scene of devastation. He was afraid to move. He just stood there, his breath coming in shallow, rapid gasps. The telephone felt a mile away.