Gemotions

The world tilted slightly as the words were spoken. Amelia felt a sudden, dizzying urge to flee, to disappear into the house and lock all the doors and windows. Her stomach churned. The friendly demeanor, the casual phrasing, felt utterly disingenuous.

Her hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into her palms. She noticed the sweat beading on her forehead, and a strange buzzing in her ears. She forced herself to meet his gaze, but the smile he offered felt like a threat.

"The tree… it's lovely," he said, "but it's starting to lean a bit." He looked at the tree, and then back at her. The gesture was innocent, but the implication struck her like a physical blow. Her muscles tensed, ready to spring, to run.