Gemotions

The small, square paper felt like a burning coal in Maria's hand. She backed away from it, as if it might physically attack her. The air in her small apartment felt suddenly thin, hard to breathe. The words, stark and unforgiving, burned into her memory.

She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. She stumbled back, reaching for the wall to steady herself. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. She couldn't understand. She tried to think, but her thoughts were tangled, knotted.

She wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to physically contain the emotion that was threatening to consume her. She sank onto the floor, pulling her knees to her chest, and began to rock back and forth, a silent plea for solace.