Gemotions

The drive to the house had been an ordeal. The traffic, the rain, the dull ache in her temples. But nothing compared to what she felt now. The house stood silent, its windows like vacant eyes.

Her brother, Ben, was already inside, bustling around, assessing the structural integrity. She couldn't bring herself to join him. She walked into the backyard, to the old oak tree her grandmother loved. She ran her hand over the rough bark, and memories came flooding back.

She knew she should be strong. She knew she should be practical. But all she felt was the ache of a lost connection, the ghost of a missed moment. Her shoulders slumped; she couldn't look up.