Gemotions

The familiar scent of her mother's perfume, a heavy floral fragrance she had always disliked, filled the hallway. Sarah pressed herself against the wall, trying to create distance between her and the scent. It was overwhelming and stifling. She was trapped.

She didn’t meet her father’s gaze at dinner. He talked about his day, the weather, the neighbor’s new car. She ate in silence, picking at her food. The blandness of the meal reflected the hollowness she felt inside. She wasn't used to this. Everything felt wrong, off-kilter.

Later, curled up on her childhood bed, she stared at the ceiling, the shadows of the tree outside her window dancing across it. Sleep eluded her. She was consumed by worry about everything she couldn't control.