Gemotions

He stared at the yellow tape, the stark barrier that separated him from his past. His breath hitched in his throat. Sweat beaded on his forehead despite the chill wind. The backhoe loomed, a metal monster ready to devour everything.

He hadn’t spoken a word since he arrived. His jaw was locked. He watched as the foreman checked the demolition plans, a grim smile playing on his lips.

He rubbed his arms, a sudden chill running through him. He wanted to run, to disappear, to pretend this wasn't happening. But his feet were rooted to the spot, fixed in place, unable to move him away from the looming danger.

He closed his eyes, remembering his mother’s voice, the smell of cookies baking in the kitchen, the warmth of the fireplace in winter.