Gemotions

Her hands were shaking so badly she could barely hold her coffee cup. The scalding liquid spilled onto her jeans, a minor burn that did nothing to distract from the larger wound. Maria, sipping her coffee, had just learned the couple next door, who had always seemed so kind, were secretly mega-rich. They also had a large hand in her recent dismissal from her job.

She pressed her palms against her temples, trying to ward off the throbbing that had begun behind her eyes. The street, usually bustling with activity, suddenly felt oppressive.

She closed her eyes, picturing the faces of her former colleagues. She felt a profound sense of isolation, of being utterly alone in a world that was clearly set up for the privileged few.