Gemotions

The letter lay on the kitchen counter, its crisp white envelope stark against the clutter. Demolition Notice. He couldn’t bring himself to open it. He’d known it was coming, of course, but the official nature of the notification felt like a physical blow. He stood by the counter for a long time, the silence of the empty house amplifying the frantic pounding of his heart.

He’d thought he was prepared. He’d packed away photos, old toys, everything he could salvage. But now, staring at the unopened letter, he felt a sudden, overwhelming sense of panic. He ran a hand over his face, his fingers trembling. He felt disconnected, like he was looking at the world through a thick pane of glass.