Gemotions

The dust motes danced in the late afternoon sun, illuminating the vacant space. Her chest tightened. Sarah crossed her arms, hugging herself, as if to ward off a sudden chill. The air felt heavy, stagnant.

She took a shaky breath, the scent of fresh-cut wood filling her nostrils. It was not a pleasant smell. Her stomach churned. She was certain someone was watching her.

She stared at the space. It was a wound in the earth, a gaping void that had once held something so vital. She spun around quickly, then, finding no one there, she turned back, and the empty space still felt accusing.