Gemotions

"No." The word, a quiet whisper at first, grew in volume until it filled the small bathroom where she'd retreated. Sarah reread the email, each word a fresh wound. Her hands trembled, making the phone waver. She sank to the floor, her back against the cool tiles.

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the harsh fluorescent light above. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, but the air felt thin, inadequate. She remembered all the times she’d had to skip meals to save money, the late nights spent tutoring, the endless cycle of stress. Now, she felt as if all of it had been for nothing.