Gemotions

The aroma of freshly cut wood filled the air, a scent that usually brought the joy of woodworking. Today, the smell was making her want to be sick. The fence was going up. Her chest felt constricted.

She slammed the window shut, the sound a futile attempt to block out the hammering. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes. The image of the new barrier flashed in her mind, blocking the view, the light, the connection to the world outside.

She buried her face in her hands, taking deep, shaky breaths. The house felt like a cage. She couldn't breathe.