Gemotions

It was as if the world tilted sideways. The low rumble of machinery, followed by a violent crash, stole the air from her lungs. She stared, unblinking, at the demolition taking place next door. They were ripping up the driveway. Her perfect, idyllic world seemed to shrink and collapse in front of her.

Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She had enjoyed the peace of her porch just moments before, content to listen to the birds. Now, that possibility was gone, lost to the clatter and roar of the machines. She felt a desperate need to retreat, to hide.