Gemotions

The eviction notice landed on the worn wooden table with a dull thud, and Maria's world crumbled. She felt as though her insides had turned to ice. She picked it up, then dropped it as if burned. Her breath became shallow and fast.

She went to the window and stared out at the bustling street below, the vibrant life a stark contrast to the despair that had taken root within her. The world spun. Cars whizzed by, people laughed, oblivious to her plight.

The walls of her apartment seemed to grow smaller, the air thicker. She felt a need to break something, to scream, to lash out at the injustice of it all. But her body felt heavy and unmovable.