Gemotions

The letter arrived with the morning mail, a thin piece of paper bearing the signature of a man who was once her closest companion. Sophia read the letter, which contained many of the same sentiments of responsibility that she had felt. Her face grew pale, and she felt a tightening in her chest.

She went to the sink and splashed cold water on her face. The action did not help. She felt as though she was being suffocated. She reread the words, each one a fresh wound. She felt lost and alone, in a house filled with sunlight. She felt the tears begin to stream down her face.