Gemotions

The letter felt like a physical blow. She crumpled, sinking to the floor, the cold linoleum against her cheek. Tears welled, blurring the already dim light of the living room. The news was a physical wound, a fresh and stinging hurt. She couldn't breathe.

She reached for the worn teddy bear that sat on the couch, the remnants of a childhood comfort. She clutched it tightly, burying her face in its worn fur, trying to find some semblance of solace. The familiar scent of lavender from the old laundry soap offered a small, temporary respite, but the ache in her chest remained, heavy and unrelenting.