Gemotions

The crisp white paper trembled in Amelia’s hand. Her breath hitched, catching in her throat like a trapped bird. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air, a stark contrast to the sudden, icy dread that had flooded her chest. It felt as though a steel band was tightening around her ribs, squeezing the air from her lungs. She sank onto the threadbare couch, the springs groaning in protest as if mirroring her own despair. The eviction notice fluttered to the floor, a cruel white flag of surrender.