Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the frantic drumming in Amelia's chest. She clicked the key fob repeatedly, the chirps swallowed by the downpour. Nothing. Just the empty space where her ancient Volvo usually sat. Fury, cold and sharp, constricted her throat. She slammed the fob against the wet, brick wall of her house.

A neighbor, Mrs. Gable, poked her head out from behind a curtain. "Everything alright, dear?" she called, her voice wavering with concern. Amelia forced a smile. "Just… a little trouble with the car." She swallowed hard, already feeling the unwelcome burn of tears.

The back of her neck prickled as she ran back inside. Her husband, David, was asleep in their bed. She considered waking him, but immediately pushed the thought aside. He’d just sigh, tell her to calm down, and she’d end up more agitated than before. She fished her phone out of her pocket, dialing the number for the city's towing service.