Gemotions

"You really should have done your research," her friend, Carol, had said, her voice laced with a gentle pity. Now, Sarah sat on the porch swing, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows that seemed to whisper secrets of past transgressions. This place, her dream home, had once been a den of something truly ugly. A drug overdose, the detective had said, a teenage girl involved.

The wind rustled the leaves of the ancient oak tree in the front yard. Sarah felt a chill despite the warmth. She should have known better, she should have asked more questions. Her lack of foresight, her impulsiveness, had led her here.

She gripped the swing chains so hard her knuckles turned white. It was all her fault. She was always rushing into things, missing the warning signs. The weight of her own ineptitude threatened to crush her.