Gemotions

The demolition crew's first swing of the wrecking ball missed, but the sound still grated on Leo's nerves, echoing across the empty street. He stood rigidly on the sidewalk, hands jammed deep in his pockets, watching the orange machine prepare for a second try. His jaw was clenched so tightly it ached. He’d driven from out of state just to witness this, to somehow absorb the destruction.

He kicked at a loose stone, sending it skittering across the cracked pavement. The air tasted stale, heavy with the dust of forgotten memories. He glanced toward the house again, its windows like vacant eyes. He remembered hiding in those eyes from the bright sunlight when his mom would be screaming at his dad.

He hadn’t spoken to his sister since the phone call two weeks ago, and he wouldn’t meet her now. His throat felt tight, a physical barrier preventing him from even attempting small talk. The world felt muted, drained of color.