Gemotions

The afternoon sun beat down on David. He felt a throbbing ache behind his temples. He was just looking for a new garden gnome. Then, he saw it. Placed on a chipped garden bench, was his childhood companion.

His chest tightened. He suddenly found it difficult to breathe. The air in his lungs felt thin, insufficient. He felt a strong desire to run, to flee this place.

He paid the man behind the table, his words clipped and rushed. He walked quickly back to his car, never once looking back. He needed space, time. He pressed his face against the steering wheel, trying to regain control.