Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee usually greeted Maya. This morning, however, a profound emptiness took its place. She held the mug, the ceramic warmth offering no solace. The driveway… barren. Her heart rate spiked, a frantic drumbeat against her ribs.

Her gaze flitted to the street, then back to the empty space, over and over. A coldness spread through her, starting at her toes and creeping upwards. Her breath became shallow and rapid. This had to be some kind of mistake. A cruel, elaborate joke.

"Excuse me?" she asked the air, as if a response was possible.