Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the insistent drumming in Eleanor’s chest. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself, a futile attempt to ward off the chill that had nothing to do with the weather. The demolition crew's machines were already at the edge of the property, idling like predatory beasts. She’d received the notice two weeks ago, a crisp white rectangle that had landed on her doorstep like a death knell. Now, the end was truly near.

She hadn’t been back in years. Not since… well, since everything fell apart. But she'd driven the three hours this morning, pulled up to the curb, and sat there for an hour before she could bring herself to step out of the car. Now, here she was, the last day, the last chance.

Her stomach churned. Each gust of wind seemed to carry the scent of dust and decay, a smell that usually brought back the sharp tang of freshly cut grass, the smell of summer. She touched the cold glass of the window, tracing the outline of a raindrop. It felt hollow now. Empty.