Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as she approached the old family property. She parked the car and, with hesitant steps, walked towards the spot. The air suddenly felt thick, heavy, difficult to breathe.

Her hands flew up to her mouth, covering a gasp. Her stomach lurched. The world tilted sideways. Her eyes darted around, searching for a familiar landmark, a sign that this was not real.

“No, no, no,” she muttered, the words tumbling out in a broken rush. Her chest tightened. She took a step back, then another, the ground suddenly unstable beneath her feet.