Gemotions

The paper crackled in Elias’s trembling hand. He’d seen eviction notices before, taped to the doors of the building across the street, but never… never this close. He stared at the bold, black print, the words blurring slightly as his vision swam. His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs, a frantic hummingbird trapped in a cage. He sank onto the threadbare couch, the worn fabric doing nothing to cushion the impact. The tiny apartment, usually a familiar comfort, suddenly felt vast and hollow, echoing with a silence he hadn't noticed until this very moment.