Gemotions

The familiar scent of stale coffee and old books from the lobby felt alien, as if she were a stranger visiting some other place. She squinted at the notice, the words swimming before her eyes. Her fingers felt numb as she fumbled to unlock her door. She just stood there in the doorway, the apartment seemed smaller, more cramped.

Her breath hitched. She walked through the rooms, picking up objects, putting them back down. Her favourite mug, the one with the chipped handle, felt heavy in her hand. She stared at it, at the years of use etched into the porcelain. The hallway echoed with the sound of her own frantic breathing. She felt like she could fall over at any moment.