Gemotions

The laughter of her children grated on her ears. Olivia closed the laptop, the screen reflecting her own stunned expression. Her whole world, carefully constructed over decades, suddenly felt fragile, like a house of cards ready to collapse.

She walked out into the backyard, where her children were playing. She watched them, their faces unfamiliar, their laughter alien. She felt a profound sense of isolation, a chasm separating her from the people she loved.

The sun beat down on her, but she felt a chill. She sat down on the grass, the blades cool against her skin, and looked out over the world, utterly alone.