Gemotions

The rustling of leaves seemed to amplify in the sudden quiet that followed Mr. Johnson's pronouncement. It was a soft sound, but in that moment it seemed deafening. He stood in the driveway, and the world seemed to tilt on its axis.

She felt a hollowness in her chest, a sense of falling. Her legs felt weak, and she almost fell. Her mouth was dry. She looked at her feet, and then quickly at the ground. She couldn’t look up at the tree.

"So?" he repeated, his tone impatient. She fumbled with the door handle, her fingers clumsy and unresponsive. She managed a weak, "I'll get back to you," and then quickly closed the door.