Gemotions

The insistent buzzing of the doorbell was like an electric shock. It sliced through the quiet of her evening, making her jump. She knew who it was. She’d seen them, Mrs. Chen and her children, eyeing her yard earlier.

She stood frozen, her hand hovering near the door. The sound of children's laughter from next door seemed to amplify the silence in her home. She could almost taste the intrusion, the loss of control. The very thought felt like a violation.

She backed away, her heart thudding against her ribs. She couldn't answer. She wouldn't. She turned off all the lights and sank into the darkness, hoping to disappear.