Gemotions

The slam of the front door echoed through the tiny apartment. Maria flinched. The abrupt sound made her jump. The words on the paper swam before her eyes.

She wrapped her arms around herself, as though to physically ward off the impending doom. Her breath hitched. The air suddenly felt thick, heavy, difficult to breathe.

She paced the length of the small living room, back and forth, back and forth, her steps hurried, aimless. She bit down on her lip, a habit she'd long outgrown.

Her gaze kept returning to the notice, lying accusingly on the coffee table.