Gemotions

The doorbell rang. It was her mother, back from the grocery store. Suddenly, the world felt too fast. The scent of supermarket flowers and antiseptic cleaner triggered a jolt. She nearly tripped over the welcome mat, a familiar obstacle that now seemed to rise to meet her.

"Did you get the milk?" Her mother asked, her voice cheerful, bright. She found herself unable to answer. Everything seemed out of sync, like a badly dubbed movie. She fumbled with the bags, her hands clumsy and unfamiliar.

Later, she found herself sitting on the sofa, staring at the television screen. The brightly colored images flickered, failing to register. Her head felt thick, heavy. She couldn't remember what time she'd gone to bed last night, or what she'd eaten for dinner. It was all a blur.