Gemotions

The email sat in Eleanor’s inbox, a stark white rectangle against the gentle chaos of her digital life. “A Farewell from The Gilded Spoon.” Her stomach lurched. She scrolled down, forcing herself to read the words. It was closing. Permanently. The feeling that rose up was like bile in her throat.

She slammed the laptop shut, the metallic thud echoing in the sudden quiet of her apartment. Her hand, normally steady, fumbled with the clasp of her purse. A wave of heat washed over her, making her skin prickle. She needed air.

The walk outside felt different, the familiar street suddenly hostile. She stopped, her eyes focusing on a nearby trash can. She wanted to kick it. She bit the inside of her cheek until she tasted blood. The world seemed tainted.