Gemotions

The silence in the car was suffocating. Sarah stared out the window, the passing scenery a blur of color. Her jaw ached from clenching her teeth. The knot in her stomach felt like a lead weight, pulling her down.

"You gave it your best shot, honey," her mom said quietly, reaching over to squeeze her hand. Sarah flinched at the touch, then forced a weak smile. Her throat was tight, making it difficult to speak.

The familiar drive home felt longer than usual, the house a distant point on the horizon. The joyous clatter of dinner preparation seemed unbearably loud. She wanted to disappear, to hide from the sympathetic glances, the well-meaning questions. Tears pricked her eyes, blurring the already hazy view.