Gemotions

The tow truck’s rumble echoed in Sarah’s ears as she stared at the empty space where her Honda Civic usually sat. She hadn't even heard it. How could she be so oblivious? A tightness constricted her chest, a familiar knot that usually accompanied a blunder. The driveway was, admittedly, a disaster. Empty paint cans, a rusty old wheelbarrow she’d been meaning to get rid of for months, a stray hose… it looked like a scene from a hoarders’ reality show. *No wonder they towed it,* she thought, her voice a whisper.

She ran a hand through her already disheveled hair, the texture of each strand suddenly feeling coarse and accusing against her fingers. The note stuck on the empty driveway read, "Unauthorized vehicle. Impound." Just the bare, cold facts, like a judge’s verdict. She’d known she was a bit of a mess lately, but this felt like the ultimate indictment.