Gemotions

The paper crackled under her grip, its cold finality a shock. She was in the middle of a phone call when she opened it, and the news had left her stunned. She ended the call quickly, without another word, and the silence descended. It was a smothering silence.

Her usual energy was gone. She sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling fan that spun lazily above her. Even the simplest tasks seemed like climbing a mountain. Washing the dishes, picking up a stray sock, answering a simple text -- all were mountains.

She wanted nothing more than to curl up and vanish. The world felt too loud, too demanding, too relentless. She hugged her knees to her chest, and waited.