Gemotions

The screen seemed to blur, the words swimming before Elena's eyes. It couldn't be. Not *already*. Her hand trembled as she zoomed in on the photo of the front door. The chipped paint, the worn brass knocker... it was undeniably hers.

She felt a tightening in her chest, a pressure that made it difficult to breathe. Memories flooded back: laughter, arguments, the comforting smell of her grandmother's cooking. She pressed her fingertips to her temples, trying to ward off the onslaught. She needed to know, to understand, the why of it all. Without thinking, she reached for her phone, dialing her brother's number.