Gemotions

The vibrant green of the lawn seemed to mock the emptiness where her car usually sat. "This is a joke, right?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her stomach tightened in a sudden, sharp pang.

She re-read the notice. The words swam before her eyes. Impound. Fees. She was supposed to be going to a doctor's appointment. The thought of it, of everything, felt impossible. Her hands clenched into fists.

She walked in slow circles on the driveway, feeling increasingly adrift. The sunshine felt harsh. She felt a growing sense of vulnerability, exposed to something she couldn't name. She felt like she was being watched.