Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Sarah. The rhythmic drumming did nothing to soothe the tightness in her chest. She stared at the moving boxes stacked in the hallway, each one a testament to her failure.

The house, once a comfort, now felt like a cage. Her parents bustled around, offering smiles and reassurances, but their forced cheeriness grated on her nerves. She picked at the frayed edge of the old floral wallpaper, a nervous habit she hadn't realized she still possessed.

“Everything is going to be alright, sweetheart,” her mother said, her hand resting tentatively on Sarah's arm. Sarah flinched, pulling away, and walked to the window to stare out at the storm.