Gemotions

The news about the condo conversion hung over Clara like a shroud. She trudged up the stairs to her apartment, each step an act of forced will. Her head throbbed faintly, a dull ache that mirrored the emptiness inside.

She collapsed onto her bed, the sheets feeling like a damp weight. The sunlight streaming through the window seemed harsh, unforgiving. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the world.

She thought about making dinner, but the thought exhausted her. She thought about calling her mother, but the energy it required seemed insurmountable. She stayed there, motionless.