Gemotions

"What in the…" The words escaped her in a breathy whisper. Standing at her kitchen sink, she'd been washing dishes when she heard the crash, but hadn’t processed it. Now, seeing the aftermath – the enormous tree lying sideways, the top reaching almost to her roof – she felt a disconnect.

She’d planned to bake cookies later, but the thought now made her stomach churn. Her hands, still soapy, began to tremble uncontrollably. The air felt thick, heavy. Her mind was a whirlwind of scattered thoughts, none of them making sense.

She stumbled backward, nearly tripping on the rug. The soapy water dripped onto the floor, unnoticed. The world had shifted on its axis.