Gemotions

The brightly lit office felt suddenly oppressive. Olivia, her eyes wide, re-read the printout. John had always been so careful, so dedicated to a shared future. She'd assumed they were in this together. She felt a prickly sensation under her skin, like tiny needles pricking her flesh.

She thought of the weekend trips they'd foregone, the small luxuries she'd denied herself. Now she realized the cost was hers alone. A profound sense of isolation washed over her. She pushed the papers away from her, as if they were contaminated. The chair squeaked loudly as she rose to leave.