Gemotions

The world felt muted to Sarah as she stared at the email. A half-brother. The words swam on the screen, blurring at the edges. She had been content, living a life of routine. Everything was in its place.

Her fingers slowly traced the outline of the ceramic mug in her hand, the smooth surface a point of focus. It held her tea, which was now lukewarm. She did not want to drink it. She felt a profound unwillingness to do anything that involved the letter.

She remained there, seated at her desk, the glow of the computer screen casting a pale light on her face. A sense of detached observation settled over her. Each breath was slow, measured. She felt a lightness, a feeling of being almost nothing, and everything simultaneously.