Gemotions

The familiar scent of roses, their grandmother's favourite, hit him like a physical blow. Noah stood at the door, unable to take a single step. He felt the sting of tears behind his eyes, a tightness in his throat that made it hard to breathe. His sister, Chloe, was already inside, talking on the phone.

He walked through the house, barely registering his surroundings. His vision blurred, he felt a crushing loneliness. He hated the way everything reminded him of her, the way the sunlight fell across the dusty furniture, the way the air felt thick with memory. He felt like his heart was breaking.

He just wanted to be held, to have someone tell him it was all going to be alright. He pressed his lips together, fighting to regain some composure. He looked around.

"Noah, are you coming?" Chloe asked from the kitchen. He nodded, and followed.