Gemotions

The phone vibrated in Emily's hand, a persistent buzzing that she ignored. She stood a distance away from the construction site, watching the house slowly crumble. She felt a hollow ache in her chest, a physical manifestation of the loss she was experiencing.

She thought of her late brother, his laughter echoing through the hallways. She remembered the way he made her feel seen and safe. Her family was gone now, scattered to the winds. The thought stung.

She had refused to talk to her mother. The decision to sell had broken her. The dust, swirling in the air, stung her eyes, and she blinked rapidly, willing the tears not to fall. The world around her seemed to be closing in.