Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the frantic drumming in Amelia's chest. She clutched the phone tighter, the cold plastic a small comfort against the tremor in her hands. The tow truck was gone, the empty space on the drive a gaping wound in the familiar landscape. Gone, just like him. She'd been so careful, so certain she was finally safe. Now, this.

Her breath hitched as she fumbled for her keys, the metal cold and unfamiliar against her skin. The car, her only escape route, her sanctuary, was gone. Panic clawed at her throat, making it difficult to swallow. Just yesterday, she'd been humming in the kitchen, making her favorite soup. Now, the silence of the house was deafening, the shadows seemed to lengthen, closing in.

She sank to the floor, back against the damp front door. The scent of wet asphalt and impending doom filled the air. This felt like the beginning of something she couldn't control.