Gemotions

The email sat in her inbox, mocking her with its cheerful subject line: "Big News!" Sarah crumpled the paper in her hand, the thin paper crinkling audibly. Her brother, Michael, had always been a free spirit, but this… this felt different. This felt like a punch in the gut.

She pictured her parents, their faces when they received the news. They had spent their lives building a life for her and Michael; their sacrifices felt like they were being thrown away.

The small office felt oppressively warm. She reached for the window and struggled to open it. The air was stale, thick with the scent of old paper and lukewarm coffee. She leaned against the cool glass, taking a deep breath, and stared out at the street. Each car that drove past seemed to mock her.